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FAQs

How does Clean Elections work?

Clean Elections allows more Arizona citizens the ability to run for office. It reduces the influence of interest money. Helps to make officeholders beholden to the voters and not special interest groups. Allows officeholders to spend less time raising funds and more time representing the public. All while providing informational tools to voters about candidates running for office, such as the candidate debates and candidate statement pamphlet.

Where does the Citizens Clean Elections Commission get their funding?

The majority of the Commission's funding comes from a 10% surcharge on all civil penalties and criminal fines. The Commission also receives funding from civil penalties paid for by candidates and the $5 qualifying contributions, which are collected by participating candidates.

How does the Clean Elections Commission Spend their funding?

The Commission distributes funds to participating candidates once in the primary election cycle and once in the general election cycle. The Commission is statutorily mandated to spend no more than 10% of its funding on administration/enforcement and 10% on voter education. The voter education plan includes sending a candidate statement pamphlet to every home in the State with a registered voter for both the primary and general elections, sponsoring legislative and statewide candidate debates as well as developing new voter education tools.

How can I get involved?

Citizens can get involved in the process by donating $5 to the candidate or candidates of their choice. Letting candidates know how they feel about the issues and what's important to them. Helping the candidate they support by volunteering to collect $5 qualifying contributions. Volunteers can also collect petition signatures, which are needed to help candidates qualify to have their names placed on the ballot!

Who is eligible for Clean Elections funding?

All state legislative candidates as well as all statewide office candidates are eligible for funding from Clean Elections. They must meet certain requirements, among them collecting a certain number of $5 qualifying contributions and agreeing not to accept contributions from PACs and corporations.

I hear people say that this program is nothing more than "tax dollars for politicians." Is this true?

No. The candidates who qualify for clean elections funding do not receive any money from the state general fund.