The Fair Election Fund (“FEF”) provides matching City funds to eligible candidates for City elective office. The FEF, which is governed by State and City law, provides candidates with an option for public campaign financing in an effort to reduce the role of large contributions during the election process and encourage small private donations. The FEF is overseen by the City’s Department of Finance, in consultation with the City’s Fair Election Fund Commission and State Board of Elections.
To participate in the FEF, a candidate must be a City resident who is running for Mayor, Comptroller, City Council President, or City Council in a contested primary and/or general election and must be certified for public funding by the State Board of Elections. Eligibility depends on receiving a minimum number of qualifying contributions (up to $150) from City residents as follows:
- Mayor: At least 500 qualifying contributions totaling $40,000 in aggregate
- Council President: At least 250 qualifying contributions totaling $15,000 in aggregate
- Comptroller: At least 250 qualifying contributions totaling $15,000 in aggregate
- City Council: At least 150 qualifying contributions totaling $5,000 in aggregate
For more information, please follow the links below.
Baltimore City Fair Election Summary
Fair Election Fund FAQs
Baltimore City Fair Election Fund Overview Training Video