Site Map |

Search Ethics:

financial disclosure

• View Reports and Lists

information and resources

• For Candidates
• For PACs
• For Ballot Question Committees
• For Lobbyists
• For Legislators
• For Executive Employees
• For Party Committees
• For Others
• Guide to Political Activity
• Maine Clean Election Act
  • 2011 MCEA Report
  • How to Get Started
  • Seed Money Contributions
  • Qualifying Contributions
  • What Is and Is Not a Contribution
  • How to Request Certification
  • Initial Distribution Amounts
  • Matching Funds
  • Accepting Assistance as a MCEA Candidate
• Laws and Rules
• Other Disclosure
• Publications

electronic filing

• Filer Login

online services

• Lobbyist Registration
• Qualifying Contributions
• Penalty Payment

The Maine Clean Election Act

The Maine Clean Election Act (MCEA) established a voluntary program of full public financing of political campaigns for candidates running for Governor, State Senator, and State Representative. Maine voters passed the MCEA as a citizen initiative in 1996. Candidates who choose to participate may accept very limited private contributions at the beginning of their campaigns (seed money contributions). To become eligible, candidates must demonstrate community support through collecting a minimum number of checks or money orders of $5 more made payable to the Maine Clean Election Fund (qualifying contributions). After a candidate begins to receive MCEA funds from the State, he or she cannot accept private contributions, and almost all goods and services received must be paid for with MCEA funds.

For an overview of the MCEA program since 2000, click here.

For more detailed information, please read the Maine Clean Election Act statute and Chapter 3 of the Ethics Commission Rules.

Maine.gov | Ethics Home | Site Policies