Our communities often feel excluded from the political process. Many believe that true influence is reserved for people who are wealthy or have important connections. However, here in New York City, we have a tool that changes that narrative: the city’s Proportionate Financing Program.
This program does more than amplify small donations. It makes the voices of everyday New Yorkers stronger. Administered by the NYC Campaign Finance Board (NYCFB), the program is one of the most impactful public financing systems in the country, working with more than 82% of candidates running each local election cycle.
As a faith leader of a vibrant congregation in the heart of our city, I have witnessed how powerful our voices can be when we choose to use them. This year, our church joined NYCCFB to hold informational sessions to help the community understand the gravity of this upcoming election and how this program allows us to be a part of our democracy in a more meaningful way. When we are in places where knowledge is shared, people can develop as leaders and strategize different ways we can influence the issues we care about in our community.
Since the 1980s, New York City’s Proportionate Financing Program has made local democracy more accessible. It has created opportunities for teachers, small business owners and community leaders to run for office without having to rely on wealthy donors or political connections.
Candidates who join the program focus on raising small contributions from people in their own districts. In exchange, those contributions are matched eight to one for the first $250. That means a $10 donation becomes $90 for a campaign. These funds can then be used to pay staff, connect with voters, or produce campaign materials.
This program does more than just support candidates. It gives voters a real sense of commitment to local elections. When people realize that their small contributions can make a difference and allow a candidate to spend more time connecting with their neighbors, their chances of becoming more involved in their community increase. In this way, we build a stronger and more representative democracy.
After our workshop, a community resident enthusiastically shared her experience attending one of our proportional funding sessions with Unidad y Fe. She said she finally felt included and no longer felt alone. In this session, she received official and accurate information in her own language, which made her feel good. He appreciated the existence of trusted sources in the community, such as NYC Votes, NYCCFB’s voter participation initiative, and appreciated our commitment to providing accurate and up-to-date information to all New Yorkers.
Using our Proportionate Funding Program as a donor is simple. First, you must be a permanent resident or citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old, and donating to a candidate participating in the Proportionate Funding Program. Contributing to a candidate is a great way to hold candidates accountable to their neighborhoods instead of wealthy special interests. Whether you support a City Council candidate or someone running for mayor, your dollar goes further, giving you a greater voice in our democracy.
It is true that money still has power in our political system. However, public financing helps ensure that power does not belong to just a few special interests. This program gives influence back to the people who live, work, and raise families in our neighborhoods.
New Yorkers don’t have to accept a system that leaves the working class behind. Together with the NYCCFB, we have the tools to encourage fairness and transparency in our elections, which helps make our democracy more representative. By using our nationally recognized program, you are helping to create a New York where every voice matters and every dollar counts.
To learn more about our Proportional Funding Program and the candidates running to represent your district in the upcoming November election, visit nycvotes.org/es. Early voting began on October 25 and continues through Sunday, November 2. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, which is also the last day to postmark your vote-by-mail ballot. To stay informed and see all important dates and deadlines, visit nycvotes.org/es. With the election season just around the corner; Remember that you can make a difference in local democracy by supporting candidates who align with your values, whether by voting or donating to a campaign.
Money gives you power, but so does knowledge and access. By ensuring that New Yorkers have access to clear, accurate information in their own languages, we are helping to break down the barriers that have kept them out of the political process.
Rev. Leticia Alanis, Pastor of Unity and Faith
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