Bill > H811

This bill enables cities and towns in Massachusetts to establish citizen-funded election campaigns for municipal offices through a local democratic process. The legislation allows municipalities to create a "Democracy Trust Fund" that provides matching funds to candidates who demonstrate grassroots support by receiving a specific number of small-dollar contributions from registered local voters. Specifically, contributions of $10 or more from individual voters would be matched at double the amount (up to $50) from the fund, with a cap on total matching funds and total campaign spending for each candidate. Cities and towns can implement this program by revising their charter, passing an ordinance, or adopting a by-law, which must be done at least one year before the first applicable election. The municipal clerk (or election commission, if one exists) would administer the fund, with potential assistance from the office of campaign and political finance. The bill's purpose is to encourage broader participation in local elections by helping candidates who might not have extensive fundraising networks to run competitive campaigns, thereby promoting a more inclusive democratic process.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H811