Running for Office

Interested in running for office? Looking for more information on the Citizens Clean Elections Act?

Here is a quick trip through what it takes to become a participating candidate. Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Citizens Clean Elections Commission staff at 602-364-3477 or toll free at 1-877-631-8891.

What is a Participating Candidate?

A participating candidate is an individual who has decided to run in 2014 for a Statewide office or the Legislature, agrees not to accept special interest monies and adheres to the Citizens Clean Elections Act and commission rules. In return, the participating candidate will receive funding from the Citizens Clean Elections Fund. In order for a candidate to receive funding, the participating candidate must collect a specified number of $5 Qualifying Contributions from registered voters within his or her district for a legislative candidate or registered voters in Arizona for a Statewide candidate.

Limitations Applicable to Participating Candidates

Early Contribution Limits (Collected and spent during the exploratory period and through August 19, 2014.)

• Individuals may contribute up to a maximum of $160.
• Contributions from political action committees (PACs), businesses, corporations, political parties and labor unions are prohibited.
• Candidates may contribute his or her personal funds up to a maximum amount of $700 for candidates for the legislature and $1,390 for candidates for Statewide offices. The personal contribution limit includes contributions received from certain family members.
• Candidates’ total early contributions must not exceed the amount specified below.
• A traditional candidate who later chooses to run as a participating candidate may not have spent contributions exceeding the individual early contribution limit of $160 or exceeding the aggregate early contribution limit for the specified office.

$5 Qualifying Contributions (Collected between August 1, 2013 through August 19, 2014.)

Candidates must collect a minimum of qualifying contributions. The amounts detailed below are subject to Commission approval.

Training Workshops & Debates

A participating candidate is required to attend a Commission’s training workshop. Workshops begin July 2013.

A participating candidate must attend a Commission sponsored debate.

Candidate Funding & Expenditures

Expenditures

A participating candidate must adhere to expenditure limits and may not make expenditures in excess of the cash on hand. Cash on hand includes both early contributions received and candidate funding.

Candidate Funding

In 2014, candidates running for the following offices are eligible to apply for Clean Elections funding.