241 candidates have filed certification forms to join the New York City City’s voluntary Program and become eligible to receive public matching funds for the 2009 elections. June 10 was the deadline for candidates to certify.
Additional certifications postmarked by midnight June 10 may still be received by mail.
Candidates for the five municipal offices of mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president, and City Council can participate in the Campaign Finance Program, administered by the New York City Campaign Finance Board, an independent, nonpartisan city agency.
Matching funds increase the value of small contributions from average New Yorkers, making candidates less dependent on large contributions and helps candidates who do not have access to big-money donors or personal wealth.
Candidates who join the Program agree to abide by spending limits. Additionally, candidates for citywide office who participate in the Program and meet other impartial nonpartisan criteria are required to participate in public debates.
After demonstrating a threshold level of public support and compliance with Program rules, participants receive public funds that match contributions from New York City residents at a rate of $6-for-$1 for the first $175 from each contributor, for a maximum of $1,050 in public funds per individual New York City contributor.
The Campaign Finance Act provides that Program participants may be entitled to receive a higher matching rate when facing well-financed non-participants.
For a list of candidates who have joined the Program, visit the candidates page of the CFB’s website.
June 10 Was Also the Deadline for New York City Voter Guide Submissions
June 10 was also the deadline for New York City Voter Guide submissions. The NYC Voter Guide is a unique, nonpartisan resource that is produced by the CFB and mailed to New York City voters before each municipal city election. The recently redesigned guide is published in a large, colorful, easy-to-read magazine-style and contains:
- profiles submitted by the candidates
- general information about voting
- instructions for using the voting machines
- a list of all candidates on the ballot at press time (including candidates who failed to submit a profile)
- information on anticipated ballot proposals.
This deadline for the Voter Guide applies to all candidates running on major party lines, even if they don't expect to have a primary election. Independent candidates (those filing independent nominating petitions with the City Board of Elections) must submit their profiles by Wednesday, August 12, 2009.
Please contact the Press Unit at 212-306-7100 for more information on the Program and candidate participation.