Sen. Miramant bill would simplify contributions to Clean Elections

AUGUSTA — A bill by Sen. Dave Miramant, D-Camden, would make it easier for citizens to contribute to publicly financed candidates.

LD 585, “An Act To Allow Cash Qualifying Contributions under the Maine Clean Election Act”, would amend the definition of a “qualifying contribution” under the Maine Clean Election Act to include $5 cash contributions. It was the subject of a public hearing in the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

Currently, a resident of a candidate’s district can make one $5 contribution towards the candidate’s Clean Elections campaign fund online, or in the form of a check or money order.  This bill would allow for $5 cash contributions accompanied by a form designed by the Ethics Commission, as is the case for contributions by check.

“When the system was first established, many folks still carried checks, which made it easy for citizens to support their preferred candidate without having to purchase a money order,” said Sen. Miramant. “Over the years, checks have been replaced with credit cards, with an online system to accept cards. However, the most frequent and readily offered option is to give a $5 bill and expect to fill out a form.”

The bill faces further action in the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, and votes in the House and Senate.

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