Testimony Regarding the Fair Elections Act of 2017
Councilmember Allen and other committee members, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Zach Schalk, and I am a resident of Columbia Heights in Ward 1. Today, I am testifying in my capacity as Communications Chair for DC for Democracy in support of the Fair Elections Act of 2017 and the broad coalition that has developed to bring public financing of elections to the District.
You’ve already heard about the strong support for public financing among DC4D’s 600+ members from our Chair Kesh Ladduwahetty. You’ve also heard from several policy experts about what the Fair Elections Act of 2017 does and how several similar programs have flourished nationally. Instead, I want to focus my testimony on what I’ve heard in conversations with hundreds of District residents in all 8 Wards since joining the DC Fair Elections coalition as a volunteer over a year ago.
After collecting hundreds of signatures through door-to-door canvassing and petitioning at community meetings, street festivals, and farmers’ markets, I’m more convinced than ever that public financing is not just popular, but vital to strengthening our democracy and preserving public trust in our politics. Voters deserve a democracy that is both inclusive and representative, and they know this ideal is not reflected in our current system.
Public financing may not be a panacea, but I’ve seen firsthand why it’s so popular. First, it’s straightforward and easy to understand. Voters like how their voice will be amplified and their power multiplied by the five to one contribution match that only applies to District residents. They understand how the Fair Elections Act flips the incentive structure for campaign fundraising once a candidate opts in, and they like the idea of candidates campaigning at block parties instead of collecting checks at black-tie dinners.
Second, they see how it democratizes the ability to run for office, encouraging both incumbents and challengers to build grassroots support without disadvantaging either. Voters want politicians who understand their struggles, and they don’t want candidates to be blocked from seeking office simply because they don’t have access to the same resources as others.
Finally, DC voters are tired of politics skewed in favor of those with deep pockets—folks who often don’t have a lot in common with the people who actually live and vote here. When Washingtonians hear that more than 60% of campaign contributions come from either people who don’t live in the District or from corporations, they are shocked but not surprised. By empowering small donors, the Fair Elections Act will make sure that donors in local elections more closely reflect our city’s diversity. Where many are discouraged from taking action today because they don’t feel that their voice, their small-dollar donation, or their vote matters, the Fair Elections Act of 2017 will give them the confidence to act.
Bringing this progressive public financing system to the District is a prime opportunity for our city to take a leadership role nationally in the fight to rebalance the scales of political power away from profits and back to the people. Please make the District proud by passing the Fair Elections Act of 2017 and faithfully implementing it. Thank you for your consideration.
