Chairwoman Jung and members of the Council:

The League of Women Voters of Howard County supports CB 46-2024, amending the Citizens’ Election Fund to clarify the role of certified candidates, which was requested by the Citizens’ Election Fund Commission.

The League of Women Voters of the United States supports campaign finance regulations that enhance political equality for all citizens, ensure transparency, protect representative democracy from distortion by undisclosed contributions and big money, and combat corruption and undue influence in government. The League specifically supports public financing of campaigns and full disclosure of all campaign finance contributions and funds.

There are many benefits of public financing of election campaigns, not the least is that it builds the public trust in our government, eliminating the questions and perceptions that politicians may be indebted to their campaign contributors, or that a local business must “pay to play” when government contracts are open for bidding. The high cost of election campaigns is a significant factor that dissuades well-qualified potential candidates from running for public office. The whole community wins when these problems are eliminated. Public financing is an important element in building good governance.

We would amend Section 10.310, c (5) to specify that members of the commission nominated by the County Council shall be registered to vote in the applicable Election District. We would also prefer that eligibility for the Citizens’ Election Fund extended to all candidates for elected office in Howard County, including the members of the Board of Education and positions such as the Register of Wills, States’ Attorney, and Clerk of the Court.

This bill makes sense, and the fact that it is generated at the request of the Citizens’ Election Fund Commission, should guarantee its passage. Please vote in favor of Council Bill 46-2024, amending the legislation authorizing the Citizens’ Election Fund.