Graded Assignment #5

As a new voter, I am not familiar with many of the technical aspects of elections, and many American citizens share this dilemma. “Public Funding of Presidential Elections” seeks to inform the public about the issue of where presidential candidates get the money they need to pay for their campaigns. Through the Federal Election Commission, public funding is given to presidential candidates in both the general and primary elections. Also, nominating conventions receive funds for their numerous costs during election year. However, nothing, when it comes to money, is free, and there are many different regulations that come with public funding of candidates.
In a series of acts established by Congress from 1971 to 1984, public funding, which involves the use of dollars voluntarily “checked off” individual’s income tax returns, was legitimized. These acts did the following things: set a limit on campaign spending, made candidates report the amount of contributions they received, and set a limit on money spent by nominating conventions. The Federal Election Commission determined that, during Primary elections, each candidate could spend $10 million plus a “cost of living adjustment,” could only spend $200,000 in each state plus the “cost of living adjustment,” and could not spend more than $50,000 out of their own pocket. In General elections, candidates can spend up to $20 million plus a “cost of living adjustment,” but they cannot receive any private contributions in their campaign. However, they can use private donations for legal and accounting matters. Nominating conventions are required to spend less than $4 million plus “cost of living adjustments,” but they can accept discounts by the state facilities in which the convention is held. As one can clearly see, there are numerous restrictions and loopholes when it comes to public funding. Candidates must be extremely careful because the Federal Election Commission can require them to pay money back if all is not handled properly. In fact, candidates are audited and the reports are available for all voters at the F.E.C’s Public Records Office.
Besides simply looking at F.E.C reports and voting, individuals can participate in campaigns in more direct ways. Individuals can contribute money, but they also can take advantage of the “Independent Expenditure.” An Independent Expenditure involves a person buying newspaper or billboard space, radio or TV time, or setting up a website that clearly supports or complains about a candidate. However, they cannot receive any information from the candidate’s campaign and must clearly state that the advertisement was not paid for by the candidate. Also, people can volunteer or host receptions in support of their favored candidate at their home or church. Through “Public Funding of Presidential Elections,” I was able to get a more in depth look at campaigns and found interesting ways that I can impact elections, besides simply voting.