Martin O`Malley on Government Reform Democrat

Fair Campaign Financing Act for gubernatorial elections

And while many said we would never elect a governor because of the low spending limits mandated in our public finance laws, I stand before you today as proof that the system does work.

We must replenish this fund as soon as possible and make it available for future candidates. Therefore, we will submit legislation to reinstate the voluntary check-off which allows a taxpayer to make a donation to go towards the public campaign financing system each year.

Every Marylander should have the right to cast their vote

"Every citizen deserves the opportunity to cast their vote and be heard. In 2010, Maryland allowed early voting for the first time. Since then, we've seen a large increase--more than 16% of registered Maryland voters in 2012--in the number of citizens taking advantage of the opportunity to vote early. Thanks to all of the members of the General Assembly who believe that every Marylander should have the right to cast their vote, we've successfully expanded this process in our State. Together, we can continue to improve access to voting and encourage more Marylanders to exercise their most fundamental right."

Implement a system of open and transparent administration

Voluntary public financing for all general elections.

Return Politics to the People
At a time when much of the world is emulating American values and institutions, too many Americans have lost confidence in their political system. They are turned off by a partisan debate that often seems to revolve not around opposing philosophies but around contending sets of interest groups. They believe that our current system for financing campaigns gives disproportionate power to wealthy individuals and groups and exerts too much influence over legislative and regulatory outcomes.

The time for piecemeal reform is past. As campaign costs soar at every level, we need to move toward voluntary public financing of all general elections and press broadcasters to donate television time to candidates.

The Internet holds tremendous potential for making campaigns less expensive and more edifying and for engaging Americans directly in electoral politics. We should promote the Internet as a new vehicle for political communication and champion online voting.

Goals for 2010
• Introduce voluntary public financing for all general elections.
• Allow properly regulated voter registration and voting online.
• Implement civic education courses in every public school.