Fair Election Fund Commission

Baltimore County’s Fair Election Fund provides matching funds to qualifying candidates for County Executive and for County Council. The Fund was established by Bill 102-21, after County voters approved a 2020 charter amendment to allow the creation of a public financing system in the County. The Fund will open for the 2026 election cycle, with the first disbursements allowed by law in June 2025. 

Fair Election Fund Commission

The Commission consists of nine members who must be confirmed by the County Council. The Commission is responsible for estimating the amount of funding needed during the upcoming 2026 election cycle and making annual recommendations to the County Executive on the level of appropriations needed in each forthcoming budget. Appointees will serve four-year terms.

Eligibility to Serve

To be eligible to serve on the Commission, individuals must be a resident and registered voter in Baltimore County. In addition, individuals must not be:

• A candidate for public office in the previous, current or next election cycle

• A Chair or Treasurer of an open campaign account

• An elected or appointed member of a local or state central committee of a political party

• A lobbyist registered with the County or the State

Registration Process 

To become certified in the Fund, an applicant candidate must be a Baltimore County resident running for County Executive or the County Council. Prior to raising a contribution governed by the Fund, an applicant candidate must register the Public Finance Committee with the Maryland Board of Elections Campaign Reporting Information System and file a Notice of Intent to Qualify with the State Board of Elections. 

Once the initial registration and contribution requirements are satisfied to become eligible for Fund financing, all documents to determine certification of a participating candidate must be filed with the State Board. Review the summary guide.

Qualifying Standards

In order to qualify for matching funds, candidates must collect from County residents a certain number of qualifying contributions, as well as a certain total amount. 

• County Executive candidates—Must have collected from County residents at least 550 qualifying contributions and an aggregate total of $50,000 in qualifying contributions.

• County Council candidates—Must have collected from County residents at least 150 qualifying contributions and an aggregate total of $15,000 in qualifying contributions.

Additionally, candidates shall not accept private contributions from any group or organization, including a political action committee, a corporation, a labor organization, or a state or local central committee of a political party. Private contributions from an individual may not exceed $250 during an election cycle. 

Regulations

Review the regulations.

Matching Fund Tiers

For County Executive

The maximum public contribution is $750,000 per election.

For County Council

The maximum public contribution is $80,000 per election.

Fund Donations

Residents may make donations to the Fund, which may go toward Maryland State Board of Elections-certified candidates who opt to participate in the program. Those wishing to make donations to the Fund may do so by check payable to Baltimore County, Maryland. Print and submit this coupon with your donation.

Members