Clean Elections

League of Women Voters^®
of Northwest Maricopa County

Clean elections

Improvement. What is the Clean Election System?. What has been the outcome of the Clean Election System?. What does the Clean Election System cost me?. Nationwide information.

Clean Elections Bill Strengthened

In June of 2007 HB2690 passed with the help of hundreds of Clean Elections supporters. This bipartisan bill makes minor but necessary improvements to the highly successful Clean Elections Act. Passage of this bill makes the long term survival and success of Clean Elections by negating the opposition arguments that the system is unfair, unworkable and cannot be improved.
Please click on Clean Elections for comprehensive information on Arizona's Clean Election Law.

What is the Clean Election System?

The Clean Election System is a voter-approved system of public campaign finance for candidates seeking statewide and legislative office. Its primary goals are improving the integrity of Arizona state government, reducing the influence of special interest money and encouraging participation in the political process.
The Clean Election System gives Arizonans the opportunity to seek state office "without mortgaging their homes or their souls". Candidates qualify by collecting $5 contributions from registered voters who are friends. neighbors and supporters. Once qualified, candidates receive enough funding to run a credible campaign. Everyone's contribution, whether they are on low or fixed income, or a millionaire or billion dollar corporation, count in the same way.

What has been the outcome of the Clean Election System?

The Clean Election System has already been successful in reducing the influence of big money special interest in Arizona's political systems. Since campaigns are publicly funded, special interests have no "favors" to redeem once candidates are elected.
Clean Elections has allowed more women and minorities run for office and gain seats in the Arizona Legislature since it was passed by the voters in 1998.
During the 2007 elections, 59% of eligible candidates ran "Clean" and 93% were elected.

What does the Clean Election System cost me?

The Clean Elections System is funded by dedicated surcharges on criminal and civil fines and by voluntary contributions that include the state income tax check-off. The only tax money involved is your own IF you choose to direct it to the Clean Elections Fund. If you obey the law, don't write a check and don't check the income tax check-off, you are not paying anything for Clean Elections.

Is there a place to get nationwide information on Clean Elections?

CleanUpWashington provides information and thoughtful educational materials on coordinated grassroots campaigns, including Clean Elections, that encourage our elected leaders to take action.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: October 25, 2009 18:53 PDT.