Public Campaign Finance Bill 25-23

TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND

BILL 25-23: AN ORDINANCE concerning: General Provisions-Public Campaign Financing

POSITION: Support

BY: Abby Root, League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County

Date: May 15, 2023

Good evening. My name is Abby Root, 1336 Chicory Way, Odenton, representing the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County.

The League supports Bill 25-23.

The League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County’s support for public campaign financing is based on the conclusions of a national public campaign financing study conducted by the League of Women Voters of the United States. The League’s position is:  

“Campaign finance regulation should enhance political equality for all citizens, ensure transparency, protect representative democracy from distortion by big money, and combat corruption and undue influence in government. The League believes that campaign spending must be restricted but not banned. The League supports public financing, full disclosure, abolishing SuperPACs and creating an effective enforcement agency.”

Public financing of campaigns is good for democracy. Bill 25-23 aligns with the League’s position on Public Campaign Financing by:

  • Leveling the playing field for candidates who may not have big donors.
  • Reducing the influence of big money on elections.
  • Combating corruption and undue influence.
  • Enabling candidates to compete more equitably for public office.
  • Enabling more candidates from diverse backgrounds to run for office, amplifying the voices of regular people.
  • Promoting citizen participation in the political process.
  • Creating an enforcement agency.

Since the Maryland Legislature in 2014 made it possible for counties to adopt a public campaign finance system, Baltimore City and Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's Counties have approved public financing systems. Baltimore County’s public campaign finance system is slated to be in place for the 2026 general election.

The League urges the Council to vote in favor of Bill 25-23. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Showing 1 reaction

Please check your e-mail for a link to activate your account.
Join or Renew Donate Your Elected Officials