New Haven Democracy Fund

New Haven Democracy Fund New Haven's Democracy Fund provides public financing for the mayoral race in order to combat the perception that money plays a role in governance.

The New Haven Democracy Fund, utilizing appropriations from the Board of Aldermen and citizens’ contributions, provides public matching funds and public financing grants to Mayoral candidates who voluntarily agree to abide by certain restrictions and limitations on how campaign funds are raised and spent. The Democracy Fund is a pilot program approved in 2007 by the State Elections Enforcement Com

mission of the State of Connecticut. The State General Assembly had authorized the Commission to approve up to three pilot programs for public financing of municipal election. The City of New Haven is the first and only municipality in the State to establish a public financing system for municipal elections. The purpose of the Democracy Fund is to ensure that all citizens of the City of New Haven have a fair and meaningful opportunity to participate in the election of their Mayor. Specifically, the ordinance aims to counter the perception that New Haven’s public policy is influenced by campaign contributions; to ensure that meritorious Mayoral candidates are able to raise and spend sufficient funds through public financing of elections to convey their messages to the voters; to reduce the need for ongoing fundraising and to encourage Mayoral candidacies to spend more time communicating with citizens; and to give all citizens an opportunity for a reasonable supporting role in the selection of Mayor by making even small contributions meaningful. The Democracy Fund is overseen by a seven-member volunteer board. A Democracy Fund Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Democracy Fund. A Democracy Fund Investigator is responsible for investigating alleged violations of the Democracy Fund ordinance and complaints made against participating candidates. A Mayoral candidate becomes a participating candidate by agreeing to abide by the contribution and expenditure limitations and ceilings established by the Democracy Fund ordinance. Contributions are limited to no more than $370.00 from individuals or a town committee. A participating candidate must not accept contributions from political committees or business entities. Qualified campaign expenditures are limited to no more than $368,000.00 in a primary election and $368,000.00 in a general election. The Democracy Fund provides public matching funds up to $125,000.00 and a public financing grant of $19,000.00 for both the primary elections and the general election. A candidate’s contribution of his or her own personal funds is limited to no more than $19,000.00 per primary or general election. In order to qualify for public matching funds for a primary election or a general election, a participating candidate must raise two hundred (200) contributions, from separate individuals who are electors (that is, registered voters) of the City of New Haven, of no less than $10.00 and no more than $370.00. Matching funds consist of $50.00 per distinct individual contributor of $25.00 or more; contributions under $25.00 are matched two-to-one.

09/07/2023

The city’s two Democratic mayoral candidates sat side by side on stage and agreed on policy — but split on leadership experience, strategy, and vision. …

It's going to be a great debate! Hope to see you at 7pm at Co-Op High.
09/05/2019

It's going to be a great debate! Hope to see you at 7pm at Co-Op High.

03/29/2018

"Democracy Parking" now available to New Haven residents attending Board & Commission meetings at City Hall. Please do not abuse this privilege!

Special thank you to Aaron Goode of the New Haven Votes Coalition for moderating the forum!
10/25/2017

Special thank you to Aaron Goode of the New Haven Votes Coalition for moderating the forum!

10/24/2017

Yes, the Democracy Fund event is still happening. It is required by city ordinance to ensure voters have access to candidates who chose to use the Fund.

Tonight, 6:30 pm, Jepson School (15 Lexington Avenue)

If only one candidate appears, the League of Women Voters will not be moderating, per their own guidelines.

Join us for a forum where YOU get to ask the questions! October 24th, 6:30 pm.
10/20/2017

Join us for a forum where YOU get to ask the questions! October 24th, 6:30 pm.

Save the date
10/17/2017

Save the date

*** ATTENTION NEW HAVEN VOTERS ** Mayoral debate scheduled for October 24 - this may be your last chance to hear from the candidates in person!

Come to Booker T Washington, 804 State Street for New Haven's Mayoral Debate!
09/05/2017

Come to Booker T Washington, 804 State Street for New Haven's Mayoral Debate!

Analysis of the mayoral financial filings to date and a fun chart of how the Fund works.
05/26/2017

Analysis of the mayoral financial filings to date and a fun chart of how the Fund works.

Mayor Toni Harp said she is opting out of New Haven’s public-financing system for her reelection campaign, while opponent Marcus Paca is exploring jumping in.

What impact do you think this will have on elections in New Haven?
05/24/2017

What impact do you think this will have on elections in New Haven?

HARTFORD >> The House took the first step Tuesday toward allowing the electorate to decide whether to amend the Connecticut constitution to allow for early voting.

05/16/2017

Monthly meeting to be held tomorrow, May 17th at 6:15 pm at New Haven City Hall (165 Church St.)

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New Haven, CT
06510

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