What do local chapters do?
WPC chapters in selected areas are organizing to create public financing programs for local office—in cities, counties, towns and local districts that might benefit. The “Local Option” bills we have fought for in Olympia remove a state ban on such programs, left over from a 1992 statewide initiative—and now we can take advantage.

Under the new laws, any jurisdiction that wants to use public funds for campaigns for local office, must submit the proposal to a vote of local voters. WPC chapters will take on this challenge: To create the programs and work for approval by local voters. After we prevail, anyone with voter support will be able to run for local office, without needing personal wealth or the backing of big donors! This will be a huge victory for Clean Elections.

In addition, WashClean advocates educate local neighbors, arrange presentations to local civic and church groups, encourage local news media coverage on public financing, prepare to lobby legislators from your area, seek endorsements for public financing from your city, county, municipality, provide feedback to WPC of what works in your area and coordinate activities with WPC. With the upcoming 2008 legislative session, we urge our state representatives to support WPC’s bills for public financing of campaigns.

We want our legislators to know: there is a far better way to finance campaigns than “dialing for dollars” and appearing to be beholden to big donors. And when our elected representatives support public financing, we will make sure local voters know about and appreciate their stance!

Clark County Chapter of WPC Organizing Guide

Here is an excellent report on “Fair Elections”