Presidential Election Campaign Fund Overview
Evolution and Merits of the Current System
Since 1976, presidential elections have been financed to some extent through public funds, the availability of which is determined by a voluntary tax checkoff. Candidates who meet eligibility requirements and agree to voluntary limits on campaign expenditures qualify for matching funds in the primaries. Major party candidates qualify for full subsidies equal to the spending limit in the general election (other candidates may also qualify for funds). Also, political parties may receive funding for their nominating conventions. Evolution of Current Law Public funding of presidential elections was first proposed by Representative William Cockran (NY-D) in 1904 and subsequently by President Theodore…
