How to Fix a Broken System – Public Funding of Federal Elections

Americans for Campaign Reform (ACR) is a nonpartisan grassroots movement of citizens working to eliminate the influence of big money on our country’s agenda.

ACR believes that public funding of all federal races – President, Senate and House – is a requirement for our democracy to be vital. ACR's public funding solution, Just $6, gives citizens the opportunity to take back control of the federal election process. ACR supports public funding and realizes that Congress will not act without substantial public pressure.

The Problem: A Broken System

We live in an unrepresentative democracy. Current scandals reinforce what many Americans already believe – the democratic system in this country is corrupt and broken. Candidates chase big donors rather than communicate with voters. Leaders waste precious time and energy catering to lobbyists, special interests and large donors, continuously raising money for their next campaign. And many of our most able leaders shy away from public office because they don’t have access to big money or don’t have a famous name.

The Solution: Just $6

ACR's approach offers a complete solution to the problem, not just another ineffective piecemeal reform. And here is the surprise: it is not expensive. For $1.8 billion per year—or Just $6 per citizen – our government can publicly fund all elections for the U.S. Senate, House and the Presidency. This is a fraction of the taxpayer money wasted every year on projects that reward special interests and their lobbyists. In fact, in 2005, "pork barrel" projects alone cost every U.S. citizen more than $200. The funds would come out of the federal budget whether from the general fund or from revenue raised specifically to support public funding.

The Results of Public Funding

By removing financial resources as a barrier, public funding will expand the field of potential candidates. Values and ideas will stand out, not special interest dollars. Wealthy special interests and their hired lobbyists will no longer have a commanding influence over our politics and government. Instead, elected officials will have more time to communicate with constituents and focus on our country’s challenges.

• Leaders will be accountable to voters, not just large donors.
• Leaders will have more time to focus on solving problems, rather than raising campaign money.
• More citizens will participate in the political process.
• The legislative system will represent all segments of our society.

Public Funding is Already Working

Public funding systems are working in Arizona and Maine, and have recently been adopted in Connecticut and the cities of Albuquerque and Portland, Oregon. Janet Napolitano, the Governor of Arizona, ran with public funds. After her election she said, "I could spend my time talking with voters, not with big contributors."