New York’s Campaign Finance Program for State Elections
Small donor matching funds help break down barriers to participating in our democracy creating a government that works for all New Yorkers.
Money in Politics
Citizens United invited huge sums of dark money into our democracy. We're demanding reforms that put ordinary people ahead of billionaire campaign donors.
Americans know that money has too much influence in our political system. That is why we advocate for money in politics solutions that empower small-dollar donors to make an impact in campaigns, require disclosure of all campaign money raised and spent, remove the financial barriers stopping everyday people from running for office, and hold elected officials and wealthy special interests accountable to voters.
Even with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, states and cities across the country are proving that we can improve our campaign finance system with laws that amplify the voices of everyday Americans.
What We’re Doing
New York’s Lobbyist Disclosures
When well-connected lobbyists wield too much power and influence, everyday New Yorkers can be shut out of the process.
Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.
Related Resources
Testimony
2022 State Budget Testimony
Common Cause New York's testimony before two budget hearings.
Legal Filing
Campaign Finance Complaint Filed with NYSBOE
Testimony
Common Cause/NY Testimony on Public Financing for New York State
Common Cause/NY testified in support of a public financing system for NYS elections.
Press
Press Release
Common Cause/NY on Hochul’s Veto of Bad Campaign Finance Bill
"While some aspects of the bill that tweaked the state's public campaign financing system were acceptable, on balance, the bill did more harm than good. We've already seen candidates enroll in the new system across the state because they are eager to participate a democratic system that puts the interests of the people over big, wealthy donors. We commend Governor Hochul for vetoing this bill and know she'll continue to be a strong advocate for public financing of elections in next year's budget. We look forward to working with the Governor...
Press Release
Common Cause/NY: Voters Deserve Answers on Unchecked Money
"The reports out of the Buffalo News and Times Union today demonstrate an ongoing and concerning trend of unaccountable money in politics. Voters deserve transparency, not the litany of end-runs around their right to know who is supporting campaigns and campaign materials. New Yorkers shouldn't have to tolerate coy dodges from Party Leaders and the people running American Opportunity; they deserve answers."
News Clip
Susan Lerner from Common Cause New York said she thought the city’s campaign finance system was far better than the state’s approach to running special elections. The state offers no public financing, making it even more difficult for someone like Benjamin to succeed, and relies instead on the local county chair of the party to pick a candidate who almost always wins the seat.
“Now some of the people who run ultimately don’t garner a large percentage,” she said. “It’s still healthier to have a real choice for the...
“Now some of the people who run ultimately don’t garner a large percentage,” she said. “It’s still healthier to have a real choice for the...