Campaign Finance Regulation
Origin: Philadelphia Board of Ethics
Bill Name/Number: Philadelphia Board of Ethics Regulation No. 1
Link: Click here
Summary: The Philadelphia campaign finance law applies to candidates for City elective offices. The City’s
campaign finance law sets limits on political contributions to candidates, requires candidates and political
committees to electronically disclose campaign finance information to the Ethics Board and gives authority to the
Board to enforce and provide guidance on the law. The intent of the campaign finance law is to reduce the influence
of large political contributors and to promote public confidence in our elected officials. As such, the City’s campaign
finance law is an integral part of the City’s Public Integrity Laws.
Talking Points & Important Information:
• The Philadelphia campaign finance law utilizes three types of campaign finance regulations to regulate
contributions to candidates for city elective office: 1) it sets limits on political contributions to candidates, 2) it
requires candidates and political committees to electronically disclose campaign finance information, and 3) it
creates a board with authority to enforce and provide guidance to candidates and donors.
• As People For the American Way finds, everyday Americans don’t want big money adulterating elections and
buying elected officials. In fact, the unpopularity of our post-Citizens United campaign finance system knows
no partisan bounds. As wealthy donors have continued to pump larger and larger amounts of money into our
elections, a vast majority of Americans, including Republicans, have decided that the system needs to be
changed. Three-quarters of self-identified Republicans want more disclosure by outside spending groups,
and only 12 percent of Republicans believe that the new campaign finance laws have made the process of
nominating presidential candidates better.
• For a guide on Philadelphia’s campaign finance law, including sample language, click here.
2015 POLICY BOOK
LOCAL
INTRO
LEVEL
PAGE 20