1. What is the Voters Not Money ballot proposal?

This proposal aims to create a Fair Election Fund that provides public financing for candidates who agree to limit their campaign contributions and refuse donations from corporations, PACs, and other organizations.

2. Why is this reform necessary?

Ann Arbor's local elections currently suffer from low voter turnout during partisan primaries and the outsized influence of wealthy donors and special interests. By introducing public financing, we aim to:

• Increase voter participation.

• Ensure that elections focus on local issues rather than moneyed interests.

• Open doors so that more citizens can run for office based on grassroots support rather than financial backing.

3. What are the benefits of public campaign financing?

Public campaign financing will:

• Reduce the influence of big money in local elections.

• Encourage more diverse candidates to run for office.

• Promote a more democratic election process by focusing on local small-dollar donations and grassroots support.

4. How will the Fair Election Fund work?

The Fair Election Fund will provide a 9-to-1 match on small local donations (up to $50) for participating candidates, who must agree to lower contribution limits and refuse donations from corporations, PACs, and other organizations.

5. How will the Fair Elections Fund be financed without raising taxes?

The Fair Election Fund will be financed by reallocating 0.3% of the city's annual general fund budget, which equates to approximately $419,000. This sustainable approach ensures that the fund is replenished each year without the need for new taxes.

6. How can I support this initiative?

You can support this initiative by signing the petition to get it on the ballot, volunteering to collect signatures, or making donations to support the campaign. For more information and to get involved click here.

7. What measures are in place to prevent misuse of the Fair Election Fund?

To prevent misuse, candidates participating in the Fair Election Fund program must adhere to strict contribution limits and refuse donations from corporations, PACs, and other organizations. Additionally, all matched donations must come from individual eligible voters and taxpayers in Ann Arbor, ensuring that the funding remains local and transparent. Candidates will also continue to be required to submit campaign finance reports disclosing donors to the Washtenaw County clerk.

8. How does the Fair Election Fund benefit the community?

The Fair Election Fund benefits the community by making it easier for individuals without significant financial backing to run for office. This leads to a more diverse range of candidates and ideas, fostering a more inclusive and representative local government. It also reduces the influence of special interests, ensuring that elected officials are accountable to their constituents rather than big donors.

9. What happens if the Fair Election Fund is not fully utilized?

If the Fair Election Fund is not fully utilized within four years, 75% of the remaining funds will return to the city's general fund. This ensures that the money is not wasted and can be redirected to other essential city services if needed.

10. How will this reform ensure fair competition in local elections?

This reform ensures fair competition by providing public financing to candidates who agree to limit their contributions and refuse donations from special interest groups. This opens doors for persons to consider running for office, allowing candidates to compete based on their ideas and community support rather than their financial resources. High cost campaigns have advantages – mailers, lawn signs, consultants, social media ads, etc. - that “shoe leather,” ideas, and community support alone cannot counterbalance. It encourages a more vibrant and competitive democratic process in Ann Arbor.