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Where We Stand
Government: Election Process
Campaign finance
Goal:
Improve methods of financing political campaigns in order to ensure the
public’s right to know, combat corruption and undue influence, enable candidates to
compete more equitably for office, and promote citizen participation in the political
process. (LWVUS) (1974, 1982)
League action
The state’s campaign financing act, enacted in 1975 with League support, established
the Office of Campaign and Political Finance to monitor compliance with reporting rules.
The act provided money for partial funding of campaigns to be raised by a voluntary $1
add-on to the income tax form, and set limits to individual contributions to candidates.
In 1980, a League-supported bill to prevent private use of residual campaign funds was
passed. The League continues to support legislation that would reduce the influences of
Political Action Committees (PACs) and lobbyist-donors and would limit spending of
campaign funds.
In 1991, following a similar decision by the national League, the LWVM decided to
oppose term limitations for state offices. The opposition was based on League positions
and principles that promote: an open governmental system that is representative,
accountable and responsible; an effective state government; and a strong and highly
visible legislative branch.
Background
• 1972-73: LWVUS Convention and LWVUS Council put a League focus on campaign
financing.
• 1973: Members participated in an accelerated study of campaign financing. The
resulting position applies the League principles, supporting an open and representative
governmental system, to political campaigns.
• 1988-91: Campaign finance reform was an LWVUS legislative priority.
• 1991-92: Campaign finance reform became an LWVM priority.
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