Proposition 4

YES ON PROPOSITION 4, THE CALIFORNIA FAIR ELECTIONS ACT: ELECTIONS SHOULD BE WON, NOT BOUGHT

The amount of money in California elections is outrageous; it's distorting our democracy. Since 2020, more than $1 billion has been spent on California state candidate races alone. This massive spending gives special interests greater access and influence while drowning out the voices of ordinary Californians.

PROP. 4 HELPS QUALIFIED CANDIDATES COMPETE

Running for office today often requires either personal wealth or access to wealthy donors. Deep pockets have become an unofficial requirement to run for office, leaving too many qualified candidates behind.

PROP. 4 CHANGES THE WAY WE FINANCE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS

Programs like small-dollar donation matching help candidates compete without relying on wealthy donors. However, most California communities are banned from using these tools, allowing the influence of big money to grow.

Proposition 4 lifts that ban, giving voters and local governments the option to adopt public financing with strict safeguards so qualified candidates—regardless of their income—can compete against candidates who are backed by wealthy interests.

PROP. 4 BUILDS ON A PROVEN MODEL

We know this reform works because it's working in other states. Thousands of candidates from different backgrounds have been elected in fourteen states and 26 localities using similar systems. They are new people with good ideas from all walks of life. Because they don't rely on wealthy donors, they can speak their mind and work for the people, not the special interests.

PROP. 4 GIVES LOCAL COMMUNITIES A CHOICE

Proposition 4 does not create a public financing program. It simply gives local governments the option to adopt one if they choose.

If a community does, the cost is as little as $1 per resident each year—a small investment to help counter the billions spent influencing California's elections.

PROP. 4 PROTECTS TAXPAYERS

Taxpayer Safeguards:

• Requires candidates to meet strict eligibility criteria and abide by spending limits to qualify for public funds.

• Prohibits public funding from favoring incumbents or discriminating based on political party.

• Prohibits the use of public funds for legal defense or fines.

PROP. 4 CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL FOREIGN MONEY

Proposition 4 triples the maximum fines for illegal foreign campaign contributions and expenditures, strengthening penalties for those who attempt to interfere in California's elections.

PROP. 4 IS SUPPORTED BY LEADERS ACROSS CALIFORNIA

Proposition 4 is backed by a broad coalition including League of Women Voters of California, California Nurses Association, Mental Health Advocacy Services, Social Security Works, California Clean Money Campaign, California Common Cause, California National Organization for Women, Californians for Disability Rights, Consumer Watchdog, Courage California, Democracy for America, Indivisible California: Statestrong, La Defensa, Money Out Voters In, Voters Right to Know, and many others.

PROP. 4 GIVES CALIFORNIANS THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECLAIM THEIR ELECTIONS and ensure they reflect the values of the people, not just the wealthiest donors.

YES ON 4—Restore power to voters, not wealthy donors

Lorrel Plimier , Co-President League of Women Voters of California Catherine Kennedy , President California Nurses Association Tom Umberg , California State Senator

Here is what the politicians supporting Proposition 4 do not tell you:

Proposition 4 REPEALS the voter-approved law that PROHIBITS candidates from using taxpayer money to run for office.

Proposition 4 has NO LIMIT on the number of candidates who can get taxpayer money. In the election last June, more than 60 candidates ran for Governor. Proposition 4 would allow thousands of candidates to get taxpayer money!

Proposition 4 has NO LIMIT on how much taxpayer money a candidate can get. Proposition 4 opens the door to taxpayer-funded campaigns but provides no limits on how much taxpayer money a candidate can get and NO LIMIT on spending. It will lead to more negative ads, more junk mail, and more annoying text messages.

Proposition 4 does NOT PROHIBIT SPECIAL INTEREST MONEY in campaigns. Proposition 4 ALLOWS candidates to get taxpayer money AND to get special interest money! Where exactly is the money going to come from to fund thousands of political campaigns? Proposition 4 does not say. But you know the answer. It is coming from YOU, the taxpayers! Less money for schools, less money for public safety, less money for healthcare. More money for politicians.

Proposition 4 is a BLANK CHECK. It is based on false promises and failed solutions.

Proposition 4 does NOT protect taxpayers. That is why Proposition 4 is opposed by California's leading taxpayer organizations.

Proposition 4 does NOT provide for “fair elections.” That is why Proposition 4 is opposed by former Commissioners of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Vote NO ON PROPOSITION 4.