Fair Elections Now Act

The Fair Elections Now Act (H.R. 1826) proposes a voluntary public financing system for candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives. To qualify for public funds, candidates would need to demonstrate broad local support by collecting a large number of small-dollar donations from individuals in their home states while agreeing to limit their acceptance of large private contributions.

For citizens, this bill aims to increase the influence of small donors and decrease the role of high-dollar fundraising in federal elections. Participating candidates would receive matching funds for small donations and vouchers for television advertising, provided they agree to participate in public debates and follow strict spending rules. The program would be funded through a combination of spectrum auction proceeds, voluntary tax check-offs, and civil penalties, rather than general tax revenue.