What is Clean Elections?

Modeled after Maine’s state clean elections ordinance, clean elections was a brand new initiative for the City of Portland in 2023. It was passed as part of the 2022 Charter Commission recommendations and the November 7th election was the first in Portland’s history in which candidates had the opportunity to run as clean-election certified in a municipal race.

The Clean Elections fund provides financial resources to qualified candidates to run for local office. It’s intended to help keep corporate and out-of-state money out of local politics, so candidates can focus on what’s best for constituents and avoid time-intensive fundraising that all-to-often makes candidates feel beholden to the demands big donors.

Every election season moving forward, the City will make funds available to candidates who want to run, declare themselves as a Clean Elections candidate, and collect enough qualifying contributions.

How did Anna Bullett access the Clean Elections Funding?

Candidates hoping to access Clean Elections funding must first declare their intention to run as Clean Election with City Clerk. Anna Bullett did this in early July of 2023.

Additionally, Clean Elections candidates cannot accept any money from businesses, PACs, or party committees. Finance reports from the campaign must be submitted to the city on a regular basis.

Lastly, candidates must collect $5 qualifying contributions from voters in their district on behalf of the City of Portland to gain access to funds.

Qualifying Contribution? What’s that?

A qualifying contribution is a $5 donation to the City of Portland that candidates and campaign volunteers collect and bring to the City. Contributions do not get deposited into campaign accounts.

All Qualifying Contributions must come from registered Portland voters in a canidate’’s District. This means the support and money is all coming locally!

Cash or Check only? For real?

Yes, unfortunately in this initial year of City clean elections, qualifying contributions must come in the form of cash or check. Venmo and other digital payment methods are not accepted at this time, stay tuned for tech improvements in coming years!

More questions?

Feel free to email abullett@portlandmaine.gov. Bullett is happy to answer as many questions about the Clean Elections process as possible or can direct you to city staff who are implementing the program.