This edition of "Follow the Money" is written by guest columnist Danielle Brown, a consultant with the N.C. Center for Voter Education.
Feb. 6, 2006
Be Part of Something Big
By Danielle Brown
RALEIGH – “I should really get more involved, but how should I start? What can I do that will make an impact?”
Have you ever said these words to yourself? You want to get involved; make your mark; but you're not quite sure how.
Well, this tax season you can make your mark – literally – and get involved by being part of something big.
When you fill out your North Carolina income tax form, look for the N.C. Public Campaign Fund box. The option should read:
"This fund pays for a nonpartisan voter guide and helps fund judicial candidates who accept strict fundraising and spending limits. Do you agree that $3 should go to this fund? Filling in a circle below will not increase your tax or reduce your refund."
If you're concerned about judges raising contributions for their campaigns from special interests, then be sure to fill in the circle saying 'yes.'
For years you've heard stories about big money in politics. There are candidates who spend huge quantities of cash on their campaigns just to remain competitive. And there are contributors who donate huge quantities to a candidate's campaign, in an attempt to gain favor for future business that they may have before that candidate.
You also may have heard stories, or perhaps even talked with friends or family members, about the need for more information about candidates so your vote can be cast with confidence.
But what can be done to change all of this? Aren't these things just an unfortunate side effect of politics as usual?
Luckily, North Carolina has already taken steps to reduce the impact of money in our court races and to empower voters with the information they need on candidates.
In 2002, the General Assembly passed the Judicial Campaign Reform Act, which helps ensure that our statewide judicial elections (Supreme Court and Court of Appeals) are not just politics as usual. It does this through the Public Campaign Fund, that box you'll find on your state income tax form.
Here are some of the specifics. This law:
* Ensures a level playing field by providing financial aid to qualified candidates who agree to abide by strict campaign fundraising and spending limits.
* Helps keep special interest money out of our courtrooms so people can't donate huge chunks of money to the judges who may hear some of their contributor's future cases.
* Lowers the contribution limits for all candidates, both those who choose to use public money for their campaigns, as well as for those that don't.
In addition to all of these measures aimed at reducing the influence of money in politics, this law also mandates the production of a free voter guide.
The guide contains nonpartisan information about the experience and qualifications of all of North Carolina's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals candidates. Prior to Election Day, the guide is mailed to every household in the state where a registered voter resides.
Saying “yes” to the Public Campaign Fund on your state income tax form shows that you support all of this – that you understand that there's too much money in campaigns; that money should not equal influence or access; and that you and your fellow voters need to have fair and balanced information about all of the candidates in order to confidently cast a vote.
All of the money in the Public Campaign Fund goes toward the production of the voter guides, as well as to the campaigns of the candidates who opt to use public funds, instead of special interest cash.
And here's the best part. Saying “yes” doesn't cost you anything. It's not a contribution or a donation.
By saying “yes” to the Public Campaign Fund you are simply directing the Department of Revenue to put $3 of your previously paid taxes into the fund. It will not increase your taxes owed, or decrease your refund due.
When our General Assembly passed this law in 2002, North Carolina became the first state in the nation to enact full public financing for judicial elections. And others are studying our law as a model to implement in their own states.
And when you say “yes” to the Public Campaign Fund you can be part of a first-in-the-nation program that has been revered by those in all political parties as a great step toward fair and equitable campaigns for all offices.
What better way to make your mark?
Danielle Brown is a consultant with the Raleigh-based N.C. Center for Voter Education, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving the quality of North Carolina's election system.
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