What?

Voter Owned Elections are a sensible reform that is proving itself as a viable alternative to "business as usual" in Maine and Arizona politics. Candidates have a new way to run for office without big money. Voter owned candidates agree to:

• Collect $5 qualifying contributions to demonstrate community support.
• Reject private money contributions.
• Limit campaign spending.
• Agree to strict administrative regulations.

In return, participating candidates receive limited amounts of campaign dollars from a publicly financed fund. More important, all Portlanders benefit as:

·         Voters gain more choices as candidates can run based on leadership skills and community support rather than fundraising ability.

·         Voters are the focus of campaigns - not contributors and fundraising.

·         Community concerns can come first in city council decisions, diminishing the perception that big money contributors win over public interest.

Why?

• Voter Owned Elections are working in Maine and Arizona to hold politicians accountable and make them listen to voters.

o        Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano kept her campaign promise to require bulk purchasing of prescription drugs by the state because she did not take contributions from pharmaceutical companies.

o        Arizona Corporations Commissioner Marc Spitzer started out as a skeptic, but now says, "As a candidate I like that this new system brings back grassroots, one-to-one politics that gives voices to thousands of voters."

o        Maine State Senator Ed Youngblood says, "It's a good way of giving government back to people."

• Participation is increasing in Maine and Arizona, providing more voter choice and the benefit of having more good people from diverse backgrounds run based on community support, bringing new ideas to shape city policies.
• Voter owned elections is a fair and sensible approach to restore accountability and control to Portland voters. The cost of $2.45 per Portland resident is a reasonable amount to pay to overturn "business as usual."
• Our City Council should take the lead to enact Voter Owned Elections - it fits with Portland's role as a pioneering city.

Want a city government that helps all voters and keeps its promises?  Support Voter Owned Elections!