P
hoenix, AZ (May 1 2011) – Applications are being taken for the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, which oversees a public financing system for political campaigns and promotes voter education efforts. The Commission was authorized by the Clean Elections Act approved by Arizona voters in 1998.
To apply for appointment, candidates must have been registered with the same political party or as an Independent for the last five years, reside outside of Maricopa County, may not be registered as a Republican or Democrat and have not held or run for a public office or served as an officer of a political party within the last five years. Because there are already two Republicans, two Democrats, and two Maricopa County residents on the Commission, this position must be filled by someone not in those classifications. These restrictions are due to limitations in the Clean Elections Act concerning county residence and political party registration.
To apply simply go the Commission’s website, www.azcleanelections.gov, click on the button “Click Here to Apply” and follow the instructions. Commission members are barred from seeking or holding any public office, serving as an officer of a political party, and employing or being employed as a lobbyist during their term on the commission and for three years following. They are paid $260 for every day the commission meets and reimbursed for travel expenses.
About the Citizens Clean Elections Commission
The Citizens Clean Elections Act, which was passed by voters in 1998, created a new campaign financing system that provides full public funding to qualified candidates who agree to abide by Citizens Clean Elections Commission guidelines. Candidates for statewide and legislative offices are eligible to participate in the public funding program. To qualify for funding, participating candidates gathered $5 qualifying contributions from constituents who were registered voters. Participating candidates also adhere to strict spending and contribution limits and agree to attend required workshops and debates. For more information visit the Citizens Clean Elections Commission website www.azcleanelections.gov.
Applications are currently being accepted by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission to fill a vacancy on the five member board. The Commission oversees a public financing system for political campaigns and promotes voter education efforts in Arizona.
There are specific requirements to apply. Prospective candidates must have been registered with the same political party or as an independent for the past five years. Because the Commission already has two Democrats and two Republicans, the new commissioner must be a registered independent or a member of another political party. In addition, the person must not have held or run for public office or served as an officer of a political party within the last five years.
The prospective candidate must live in a county other than Maricopa. Commission rules prohibit having more than two commissioners from the same county. Because the Commission currently has two Maricopa County residents, any new commissioner must be from one of Arizona’s 14 other counties.
The application deadline is June 30, 2011. To apply, visit the Commission’s website, http://www.azcleanelections.gov. Click on the button “Click Here to Apply” and follow the instructions. Commission members are barred from seeking or holding any public office, serving as an officer of a political party, and employing or being employed as a lobbyist during their term on the Commission and for three years following. They are paid $250 for every day the Commission meets and reimbursed for travel expenses. The Citizens Clean Elections Act, which was passed by voters in 1998, created a new campaign financing system that provides full public funding to qualified candidates who agree to abide by Citizens Clean Elections Commission guidelines. For more information visit Citizens Clean Elections Commission website http://www.azcleanelections.gov.