N.Y. Election Law § 14-200: Legislative findings and intent

§ 14-200. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature finds that

reform of New York state's campaign finance system is crucial to

improving public confidence in the state's democratic processes and

continuing to ensure a government that is accountable to all of the

voters of the state regardless of wealth or position. The legislature

finds that New York's current system of campaign finance, with its large

contributions to candidates for office and party committees, has created

the potential for and the appearance of corruption. The legislature

further finds that, whether or not this system creates actual

corruption, the appearance of such corruption can give rise to a

distrust in government and citizen apathy that undermines the democratic

operation of the political process.

The legislature also finds that the high cost of running for office in

New York discourages qualified candidates from running for office and

creates an electoral system that encourages candidates to spend too much

time raising money rather than attending to the duties of their office,

representing the needs of their constituents, and communicating with

voters.

The legislature amends this article creating a new title to this

article to reduce the possibility and appearance that special interests

exercise undue influence over state officials; to increase the actual

and apparent responsiveness of elected officials to all voters; to

encourage qualified candidates to run for office; and to reduce the

pressure on candidates to spend large amounts of time raising large

contributions for their campaigns.

The legislature also finds that the system of voluntary public

financing furthers the government's interest in encouraging qualified

candidates to run for office. The legislature finds that the voluntary

public funding program will enlarge the public debate and increase

participation in the democratic process. In addition, the legislature

finds that the voluntary expenditure limitations and matching fund

program reduce the burden on candidates and officeholders to spend time

raising money for their campaigns.

Therefore, the legislature declares that these amendments further the

important and valid government interests of reducing voter apathy,

building confidence in government, reducing the reality and appearance

of corruption, and encouraging qualified candidates to run for office,

while reducing candidates' and officeholders' fundraising burdens.