Some Berkeley candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot are running partly on public money. The Daily Californian reports that more than $400,000 in matching funds has been paid out so far under the city’s Public Financing Program.
How the match works
The program was created by the Berkeley Fair Elections Act, which voters approved in 2016. According to the city’s program guide, participating candidates get a 6-to-1 match on qualifying contributions of up to $60 from Berkeley residents, so a $60 donation brings in $360 in public funds. The program covers candidates for mayor, City Council, auditor, school board and Rent Stabilization Board.
The rules
- Candidates can’t accept any contribution larger than $60.
- They can’t take money from corporations, businesses, nonprofits or labor unions, the Daily Californian reports.
- To qualify, candidates must collect at least 30 contributions of $10 or more, totaling at least $650.
- Public funds can be spent only on direct campaign purposes. Unspent money goes back to the city within 60 days after the election.
Caps and top recipients
Maximum payouts are $155,000 for mayor, $52,000 for City Council, $26,000 for school board and auditor, and $10,000 for Rent Board. Fourteen candidates have opted in. As of the Daily Californian’s report, the largest recipients were District 1’s Ross Bernet at $52,000, the council cap, and District 4’s Majdi Gaith ($49,104) and Igor Tregub ($46,698). City Clerk Mark Numainville told the paper that the money comes from the general fund, currently $5.17 per resident per year.
Race guides: Berkeley District 4 and Rent Board.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.