Expand NJ Fair And Clean Elections Program
NJ Coalition For Clean Elections
The New Jersey Coalition for Clean Elections is a statewide coalition dedicated to reducing the corrupting influence of money in politics and establishing a permanent, state-wide system of full public campaign financing. Publicly funding campaigns reduces the influence of special interests and creates a system in which all candidates, including women, minorities and other non-traditional candidates, can better compete. Public financing lowers the overall costs of elections, which in recent years has skyrocketed.
Taking money out of politics is one of the most necessary and critical reforms for New Jersey because it makes all other reforms possible. When lawmakers are no longer beholden to special interest money, they will be freer and more able to conduct the people's business, for the benefit of the people.
Clean Elections seeks to restore the voice of citizens in our participatory democracy and is needed to restore trust and confidence in our political institutions.
In 2007, New Jersey implemented the NJ Fair and Clean Elections Pilot Program to determine the best way to establish a permanent, statewide system of full public financing. The 2007 Pilot proved successful and overwhelmingly succeeded in meeting the Legislature's thresholds for expansion.
Now is the time to move beyond pilot projects and implement a permanent full public financing program for New Jersey. The New Jersey Clean Elections Coalition supports a full public financing program that establishes:
- A Clean Elections program that permanently expands to all 40 legislative districts.
- A Clean Elections program that provides full campaign financing for primary and general elections.
- A Clean Elections program that provides equal funding to all qualified candidates.
- A Clean Elections program that provides adequate resources for program implementation and public education.
- A Clean Elections program that includes proper enforcement to protect public funds.
Coalition Member Organizations
- Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
- BlueWaveNJ
- Coalition for Peace Action–Princeton
- Democracy Matters
- Garden State Equality
- League of Women Voters of New Jersey
- Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in New Jersey
- National Organization of Women–New Jersey
- New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
- New Jersey Citizen Action
- New Jersey Tenants Organization
- Public Campaign
- Sierra Club
- The Council of New Jersey State College Locals
- Union for Reform Judaism
Take Action!
Download and sign-on to the New Jersey Clean Elections Coalition Principles and Join the Coalition today! Please return the completed form to Ladonna Blount, NJCA Organizer by fax 732-214-8385 or email ladonna@njcitizenaction.org. If you have questions, please call Ladonna at 732-246-4772.
Taking Special Interests Out of NJ Politics
The 2007 Clean Elections Program was a voluntary full public campaign financing program for candidates seeking election to the State Senate or General Assembly in three districts for the 2007 General Election. Under this voluntary program, qualified candidates who collected 400 to 800 $10 contributions from voters in their district and who agrede to forgo private campaign cash, receive public funding grants to run for office. Candidates who collected 400 contributions were eligible for 1/2 of the grant.
The 2007 Program Pilot was only available to voters and candidates is the 14th, 24th and 37th legislative districts:
- DISTRICT #14: Mercer: Hamilton, West Windsor Middlesex: Cranbury, Jamesburg, Monroe, Plainsboro & S. Brunswick. Download District #14 Brochure.
- DISTRICT #24: Hunterdon: Califon, Tewksbury Morris: Chester Boro, Chester Twp, Mt. Olive, Netcong Boro, Washington & Sussex County. Download District #24 Brochure.
- DISTRICT #37: Bergen: Bergenfield, Bogota, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Hackensack, Leonia, Maywood, Palisades Park, Ridgefield Park, Rochelle Park, Teaneck & Tenafly. Download District #37 Brochure.
Are Candidates Participating?
YES! Most if not all candidates in the 14th, 24th and 37th participated in the program. They are listed at www.njcleanelections.com/candidates.html.
How To Make A Contribution
- Only registered voters in the 14th, 24th and 37th districts could contribute to the candidates. Review the town list above to see if you live in a clean elections district.
- Candidates could only accept a $10 contribution from each registered voter.
- Contributions could be made in the form of cash, check, money order, debit, credit and must have the attached form CE2A filled out.
- Contributions were mailed directly to the candidate. Candidate mailing information is at njcleanelections.com/candidates.html. Be sure to read the correct district.
QUESTION: Can I make a contribution to every candidate in the district?
Yes! You could have made a $10 contribution to one or all of the candidates running in your district. Making a contribution to a candidate does not obligate you to vote for that candidate.
Help Candidates Qualify
One of the basic principles of Clean Elections is to restore grassroots activities to campaigns and open up the political process to both candidates and citizens. You can help accomplish this by holding you own Clean Elections Party to help a candidate collect $10 qualifying contributions. A Clean Elections party will help candidates qualify to run under the Clean Elections law, and will give your friends and neighbors the opportunity to discuss issues of concern directly with candidates.
You could spend a maximum of $200 (host) for invitations, flyers, postage and refreshments. The event could be held in a private residence, park, community center or church, etc.
- Invite people who are eligible to give a $10 qualifying contribution. Remember, candidates can only collect contributions from people living in their district.
- Sometimes these events are called "coffees" but they could be ice cream socials, wine and cheese parties, brunches, dessert parties, lawn parties, wiffle ball games, volleyball games, shuffle-board matches, whatever you want as long as it does not cost more than $200.
- Be sure to have contribution forms.
- The structure of the party is up to you and the candidates.
For more information on how to host a clean elections house party, contact Marilyn at 973-643-8800 ext.31 or email marilyn@njcitizenaction.org.
Why Does New Jersey Need Clean Elections?
For too many years NJ voters have been pushed to the sidelines as those with money and power dominate our political institutions. New Jerseyans have watched as more than 100 elected officials have been indicted or convicted of ethical and/or criminal conduct. NJ now has the historic opportunity to restore trust in our democracy by implementing the NJ's Clean Elections program.
Benefits Of Clean Elections
- Removes the corrupting influence of money in politics.
- Increases the number of women and people of color in public office.
- Encourages candidates' interaction with all communities in their districts.
- Reduces the time candidates spend fundraising and gives elected officials more time with voters.
How Clean Elections Works
Candidates who voluntarily choose to participate in the clean elections pilot must agree to four simple rules to qualify for public funds.
Participating Candidates Must...
- Forgo all private campaign financing.
- Sign affidavits that they will not coordinate with party committees.
- Freeze private campaign accounts.
- Collect 800 $10 contributions from registered voters in their districts. Candidates who collect 400 contributions are eligible for 1/2 of the grant.
Contributions are made directly to the candidates, and can be made in the form of cash, check, money order, debit, credit.
What Happens Once A Candidate Becomes Certified
- They will receive a one time grant to run their campaign.
- Will be identified as a "Clean Elections Candidate" on sample ballots.
- Be permitted to submit a personal statement to be included on the sample ballot.
- Are required to participate in two district debates.
More Information
The Clean Elections Program site offers complete information on the program, as well as a wide range of promotional materials, including media files (TV and radio spots), downloadable brochures, and more. Below on this page is additional information about the program.
For more information, contact Marilyn at 973-643-8800 ext.31 or email marilyn@njcitizenaction.org.
Governor Corzine Signs Clean Elections Bill
On Wednesday, March 28, 2007, Governor Jon Corzine signed A100 – the 2007 NJ Fair and Clean Election Pilot Project Act. The law, which reauthorizes, improves and expands the 2005 pilot program, establishes a voluntary full public campaign financing program for candidates seeking election to the State Senate or General Assembly in three districts for the 2007 General Election.
Under this voluntary program, qualified candidates who collect 400 to 800 $10 contributions from voters in their district and who agree to forgo private campaign cash, receive public funding grants to run for office. As has been demonstrated in other states that operate clean campaign systems, full public campaign financing opens the door to more non-traditional candidates, including women and people of color, and increases voter participation.
Participating districts will be selected by April 9, 2007. The NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission will implement and monitor the program.
2007 NJ Fair and Clean Elections Pilot Project Act
A100 / S2438 — Fact Sheet
The 2007 Clean Elections Act establishes a voluntary public financing pilot program for candidates seeking election to the State Senate or General Assembly in three legislative districts for the 2007 General Election. Under this voluntary system, qualified candidates who collect small contributions from voters in their district, to demonstrate the viability of their candidacy, and forgo private campaign cash, receive limited public funding grants to run for office. Here are the full texts of A100 and S2438.
1. What is Full Public Campaign Financing (Clean Elections)?
- Clean Elections is a practical, proven reform that puts voters in control of elections. Rather than being forced to rely on special interest donors to pay for their campaigns, candidates have the opportunity to qualify for full public campaign funding, ending the reliance on special interest campaign cash. Being freed from the money chase means candidates and elected representatives have more time to spend with constituents, working on issues that matter to them. Clean Elections also increases opportunities for non traditional candidates who don’t have access to special interest dollars and wealthy donors.
2. How does a Candidate Qualify for Full Public Campaign Financing?
- Clean Elections candidates must forego all private financing for their campaigns and sign affidavits that they will not coordinate with party committees. Existing campaign funds are frozen.
- Clean Elections candidates must collect 800 $10 contributions from registered voters in their districts in order to qualify for public funds. Candidates who collect 400 contributions are eligible for 1/2 of the grant. Contributions above 400 and less then 800 receive proportional funding.
- Candidates will have from April 10, 2007 to September 30, 2007 to collect contributions.
- Both Assembly candidates on a party ticket must participate in order to qualify.
- Senate candidates can qualify independently.
- The program is voluntary. No candidate is required to participate.
3. How Much Campaign Financing Will be Available to Qualified Candidates?
- Qualified, Clean Elections major party candidates who collect 800 contributions receive a $100,000 campaign grant.
- Minor party candidates, or candidates nominated by petition, who collect 800 voter contributions are eligible for $50,000 public campaign grants. These candidates who collect 400 contributions are eligible for 1/2 of the grant award.
- Clean Elections candidates who are running against privately financed candidates are eligible for up to $100,000, (in $1,000 increments) in additional funding if they are being outspent by the privately financed candidate. Third Party/Petition candidates are eligible for up to $50,000 in $500 increments if they are being outspent by privately financed opponents.
- Clean Elections major party candidates who are targeted by independent expenditures (i.e., 527 groups) are also eligible for up to an additional $100,000 in $1,000 increments. Third Party/Petition candidates eligible up to $50,000 in $500 increments.
- Candidates can withdraw from the program.
4. How Will Voters be Educated About the Program?
- Clean Elections candidates will be identified as a "Clean Elections Candidate" on sample ballots, and be permitted to submit a personal statement to be included on the sample ballot.
- Clean Elections candidates are required to participate in two district debates.
- Pilot appropriates $600,000 for voter education and will be administered by NJ’s Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).
5. Who Can Run in the Program?
- Three districts will be selected in 2007. President of the Senate and Speaker of the General Assembly will together select one district. Minority Leader of the Senate and Minority Leader in the Assembly will together select one. The third district will be selected by all four Leaders in which no more than two members from the Legislature are from the same party.
- In 2007 the program will be available for general election candidates for the Assembly and Senate.
- In 2009, the program is slated to be available for primary as well as general election candidates.