For more information on this program, please visit the NC State Board of Elections on the web at www.sboe.state.nc.us/content.aspx?id=106 or call Kim Strach or Amy Strange at the NC Board of Elections at (919) 733-7173.
Streaming video of the June 8, 2009, VOE Public Information Meeting is available for viewing.
The next information meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 8 at Chapel Hill Town Hall, 405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The Council enacted an ordinance on June 9, 2008, to establish a Voter Owned Elections Program to become effective beginning with the fall 2009 Town of Chapel Hill municipal elections. The pilot program is voluntary and requires extensive reporting requirements.
Chapel Hill is the first municipality in North Carolina to receive the authorization from the NC General Assembly to enact such a program. Before the program may be established, the Council would need to receive approval from the State Board of Elections.
A Voter Owned Election is a comprehensive system that provides candidates a voluntary option for a new way to run for office. Candidates who are registered with the program agree to:
- Collect a large number of $5 to $20 qualifying contributions to demonstrate community support
- Limit campaign spending
- Agree to comply with strict administrative rules
In return, participating candidates receive limited amounts of campaign dollars from a publicly financed fund for use only for allowed campaign expenses.
Candidates are required to demonstrate a level of support from the public by collecting an established number of qualifying contributions ($750 from at least 75 contributors if they are running for Council and $1,500 from at least 150 contributors if they are running for mayor).
Public grants for qualified candidates are $3,000 for those running for Council and $9,000 for Mayoral candidates. Candidates choosing to participate in the program are required to raise no more than $2,250 if they are running for Council, and no more than $4,500 if they are running for Mayor.
Public Information Meetings
Agenda Items
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Contact Us
For more information, contact Catherine Lazorko, Public Information Officer, at (919) 968-2743 or pio@townofchapelhill.org.