1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge your support for SB 42, the California Fair Elections Act, which will be heard in the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee in March or April. This bill would place a measure on the November 2026 ballot allowing California voters to decide whether to remove the current state ban on public financing of election campaigns. Right now, only five charter cities in California can provide public financing matching funds or democracy vouchers for qualified candidates. State law prohibits counties, districts, general law cities, and the State itself from offering public funds for campaigns. This restriction prevents communities across California from implementing a proven solution to reduce the influence of Big Money in politics and the data shows overwhelming public support for this reform. Public financing would allow qualified candidates to run for office without spending the majority of their time soliciting donations from wealthy donors and special interests. This would increase the diversity of candidates who can realistically compete, amplify grassroots voices, and ensure elected officials spend their time serving constituents rather than fundraising. I ask that you support SB 42 and give California voters the opportunity to decide this question for themselves in November 2026.