When candidates join the Program, they agree to abide by campaign contribution and spending limits and other requirements, including audits of their campaigns. Candidates who join the Program cannot accept contributions from corporations. In return, these candidates can qualify to receive public funds that match contributions received from NYC residents at a rate of $4 to every $1 for contributions of up to $250. The Program’s contribution limits prevent participants from running campaigns with large amounts of money from just a few wealthy people or groups. The Program’s spending limits help ensure that candidates who are wealthy, or who have the support of wealthy people or groups, do not have an unfair advantage.

Program participants file detailed information with the CFB about their contributors and how campaign money is spent. The CFB computerizes this information, so it is easy for the public and the press to find out the details of candidates’ campaign finances. This information is available (and searchable) on the CFB’s searchable database, and on a public computer terminal at the CFB’s offices. Program participants are audited by the CFB to make sure that they are observing the contribution and spending limits and other requirements.

If you are interested in running for City office, or in learning more about how the Campaign Finance Program is helping to make local elections in New York more open and democratic, please write to: