Proposition 4 Explained: Should California Lift Its Ban on Public Money for Political Campaigns?

California voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to end a decades-old ban on using public money to pay for political campaigns. Proposition 4, which its backers call the California Fair Elections Act of 2026, would let state and local governments set up public financing programs for candidates if they choose to.

What the law says now

The Political Reform Act of 1974 bars public funds from being spent on candidates' campaigns for most state and local offices, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office. Some charter cities are exempt, and several already run programs, including San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley, along with Los Angeles and Long Beach. Everywhere else, including most counties and general law cities in the Bay Area, public financing is off the table.

What Prop. 4 would change

The measure, placed on the ballot by state Senate Bill 42, would lift that ban but would not create any program on its own, the LAO says. It sets ground rules for any future program. Money earmarked for education, transportation or public safety could not be used. Candidates would have to show broad support in their district and agree to spending limits. Public funds could not pay legal defense costs or fines, or repay a candidate's personal loans to their campaign. The Fair Political Practices Commission would give guidance but would not have to run or enforce local programs.

The state's estimated cost is a few hundred thousand dollars a year for the commission to answer questions from governments, according to the Secretary of State's voter guide. Any program a city or county later creates would carry its own costs.

A yes or no vote

A yes vote means state and local governments could create public financing programs within those limits. A no vote keeps the ban, while charter city programs continue.

Who is for and against

Supporters listed in the state guide include the League of Women Voters of California, the California Nurses Association and Consumer Watchdog. They argue California is the only state with such a ban and that it gives wealthy donors outsized influence. Opponents include the California Taxpayers Association and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, who argue it would let politicians spend taxpayer money on campaigns without firm limits on how much.

Locally, the Berkeley City Council is set to vote Oct. 13 on a resolution supporting Prop. 4, according to its posted agenda.