Vote ‘yes’ on public campaign financing

The League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County encourages county voters to make their voices heard regarding Charter Amendment Resolution 1-22, to be considered by the County Council on Feb.7.

If passed by a supermajority of the council, Resolution 1-22 empowers voters to determine whether to establish a system of public campaign financing in Anne Arundel County.

The proposed amendment to the county’s governing charter authorizes design of a public financing system for county executive and County Council candidates. Candidates could voluntarily enroll, typically receiving matching funds for small contributions by limiting reliance on large contributions.

If passed by the council Feb. 7, the amendment would appear on November’s general election ballot and require a majority of votes to pass.

A League of Women Voters nationwide study concluded that diverse methods of financing political campaigns increase transparency, combat corruption and undue influence, enable candidates to compete more equitably for public office, and promote citizen participation in the political process.

Public campaign financing encourages more candidates from diverse backgrounds to run for office, amplifies the voices of all citizens, and reduces the influence of “big money” on elections.

Since 2014, public campaign financing systems have been implemented in

Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Baltimore counties, and Baltimore City.

Informed and active participation in government is a central tenet of the League of Women Voters. County voters deserve the opportunity to consider and decide this important issue in November. We strongly advocate for passage of Resolution 1-22 on Feb. 7. — Gail Viamonte, Crofton Viamonte is the vice president of the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County