Objective: To establish a fair and transparent election process by eliminating Super PAC influence, limiting campaign spending, and implementing publicly funded elections for senators and other government officials.
Key Provisions
1. Public Funding of Elections
• All elections for federal positions, including senatorial and congressional seats, shall be funded by the federal government. This ensures that all candidates, regardless of personal or external wealth, have a fair opportunity to communicate their messages to the public.
• Funds will be allocated from a federal election fund created specifically for this purpose, sourced through minimal tax allocations and government budget adjustments, ensuring no new taxes are levied on the public.
2. Ban on Super PAC Contributions and Outside Spending
• Super PACs, corporate entities, unions, and other large donors will be prohibited from directly or indirectly contributing to campaigns.
• Third-party groups will be limited in the promotion, advertising, or opposition of any candidate or political message, with penalties imposed for violations, thus reducing undue influence on voters.
3. Campaign Spending Limits
• Campaigns will have strict limits on total spending. These limits will be based on population metrics and geographic size of the constituencies involved, making them proportionate to the needs of each election.
• Spending limits are designed to reduce excessive and unnecessary expenditures, focusing resources on essential campaign activities rather than media saturation.
4. Allocation of Public Funds
• Each qualified candidate will receive an equal share of public funds designated for election campaigning. This allocation will cover expenses such as advertising, outreach, travel, and other campaign activities.
• Candidates will be required to use these funds transparently, with all campaign spending subject to regular audits. Unused funds will be returned to the public election fund.
5. Contribution Transparency and Limits
• Individual contributions from citizens will be capped at a low amount, ensuring candidates remain accountable to the public rather than wealthy donors. This cap will apply to both direct donations and any associated fundraising activities.
• Campaigns will publicly disclose all donations in real time through an online portal, allowing voters to monitor and review the sources of financial support.
6. Penalties for Violations
• Any candidate or campaign found accepting funds from prohibited sources or exceeding spending limits will face strict penalties, including disqualification, fines, or other sanctions as deemed appropriate.
• A federal oversight body will be established to monitor compliance, handle complaints, and enforce these regulations impartially.
Expected Outcomes
• Equitable Competition: Publicly funded elections create a level playing field where candidates can focus on policies rather than fundraising, ensuring campaigns are driven by voter needs rather than donor influence.
• Increased Voter Trust: By eliminating Super PAC influence and enforcing transparency, voters are more likely to feel confident in the integrity of their elected officials.
• Financial Efficiency: Campaign spending limits reduce the overall cost of elections and shift resources toward essential campaign needs, decreasing wasteful expenditures.
Conclusion
This policy encourages a democratic election process based on transparency, accountability, and fairness. By restricting Super PAC influence, setting spending limits, and using public funds, we aim to ensure that government officials are truly accountable to the public.
This proposal can serve as a foundation for legislative discussions or advocacy campaigns focused on election reform. Let me know if you’d like any specific details refined or added.