Partial public financing is expected to provide greater opportunity for new candidates by providing a neutral source of revenue that can be used for communicating their views and positions to the voters. It is hoped that partial public financing will reduce the influence of special interests and reduce the fundraising advantages of certain candidates. Public funds are made available to candidates as a match for a minimum threshold of itemized political contributions from individuals supporting the candidate, and raised by the candidate. In return for receiving public funds, the candidate must abide by an expenditure limitation for the campaign.
Separate grants are available for the primary and general election campaigns.
The candidate may be eligible to receive public funds for either or both. A candidate must have a qualified opponent on the ballot in any election in which the candidate seeks public funds. The grant of public funds is conditioned upon separate minimum qualifying campaign contribution amounts and expenditure limitations for the primary election and for the general election. The use of public funds is limited to specific conventional campaign goods and services. The proper use of public funds must be substantiated through a proof of payment procedure.