Proposition 4State law · Put on the ballot by lawmakers
Allow public campaign funding
Explain it like I'm 5
This would let California and local governments create programs that give some candidates public campaign money. Candidates would have to follow eligibility rules and spending limits, and governments would still have to create the programs later.
Yes vote
State and local governments could establish public campaign-financing programs under specified rules.
No vote
The current ban on using public money for candidate campaigns would remain.
The question to ask yourself
Should governments be allowed to use public money for campaigns if candidates accept limits and program rules?
The case for
- Could reduce candidates' dependence on large donors and wealthy networks.
- Spending limits and eligibility rules could make participation more accountable.
- It leaves each state or local government to decide whether to create a program.
Backed by: League of Women Voters of California, California Clean Money Campaign, California Common Cause, California Nurses Association, ACLU California Action
The case against
- Taxpayer money would support candidates some taxpayers oppose.
- Future programs could cost money without guaranteeing less private spending.
- The measure changes the rules before voters know the details of every possible program.
Opposed by: California Taxpayers Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, Family Business Association of California
- Money
- Direct costs are not estimated because the measure creates no program itself; future costs would depend on later state or local action.
- Don't be misled
- It does not automatically fund every candidate or create a statewide program; it mainly permits governments to create programs later.