Tucson is well known for an initiative it took to make access to political participation open to a greater number of its citizens. It has made public matching funds available to candidates. To be eligible for the funds a candidate must first raise 200 contributions of ten dollars or more from contributors who are city residents. After that number has been reached the candidate may continue to raise money from contributors regardless of residence.

The funds that candidates raise will be matched, dollar for dollar, until the total equals 20 cents per registered voter. This sum changes, of course, during each election cycle as the number of registered voters changes.

A major question is:  Exactly what affect will the Legislature’s mandate of non-partisan elections have on public financing?  Will the order to move to ward-only, non-partisan elections destroy public financing? Remains to be seen.

Note: The requirements for mayoral candidates are slightly higher, but the principle is the same. Click