California Proposition 4 — Repeals Prohibition Against Public Funding of Election Campaigns

What it does

Current law prohibits state and local governments from using public funds for election campaigns except in charter cities and counties. This measure repeals that prohibition and allows state and local governments to establish public campaign financing programs for candidates who agree to specified spending limits and meet eligibility criteria. Prohibits public funding programs from using funds earmarked for education, transportation, or public safety. Prohibits candidates from using public funds for legal defense costs, fines, or repayment of personal loans to campaigns. Triples maximum fine for campaign contributions by foreign entities. Summary of Legislative Analyst's estimate of net state and local government fiscal impact: Ongoing costs to the state of a few hundred thousand dollars each year for the Fair Political Practices Commission to answer questions from state and local governments about public campaign finance programs.

A YES vote means

State and local governments could create public campaign financing programs for public office candidates, subject to limits on which public funds could be used, how the public funds could be used, and who could receive them.

A NO vote means

State and most local governments would remain unable to create public campaign finance programs for public office candidates.

Needed to pass

A simple majority

Put on the ballot by

the Legislature

Official text: source

Also on California ballots

• Proposition 1 — Authorizes Bonds for Housing Affordability Programs
• Proposition 2 — Increases State’s Rainy Day Fund
• Proposition 3 — Provides Permanent Funding for Schools and Health Care by Extending Existing Tax on High Incomes
• Proposition 5 — Changes Recall Election Process for Statewide Officers
• Proposition 37 — Creates Loan Program for Middle-Income Buyers of Qualified New Homes
• Proposition 38 — Authorizes Bonds for Immunology Medical Research
• Proposition 39 — Prohibits Citizens from Voting Unless They Present Government-Issued Identification
• Proposition 40 — Imposes One-Time Tax on Certain Taxpayers
• Proposition 41 — Prohibits New State Taxes That Exclude Revenues from State Spending Limit. Requires Audits for New State Special Taxes
• Proposition 42 — Prohibits New State Personal Property Taxes and Certain Retroactive State Taxes
• Proposition 43 — Limits Voters’ Ability to Raise Revenues for Local Government Services
• Proposition 44 — Requires Community Health Clinics Spend 90% Of Revenue on Program Services
• Proposition 45 — Modifies Environmental Review for Certain Projects

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