The State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) recently released the results of its survey of 2022 participants in the Citizens’ Election Program (CEP).
The survey, which was concluded in July and released this month, recorded the responses of 108 candidates, hitting 100 percent of the commission’s goal for the number of respondents, and 143 treasurers, hitting 121 percent of the commission’s goal for the number of respondents.
The SEEC highlighted responses to a number of questions it asked candidates as key takeaways from the survey, which largely focused on beliefs about the effects of the CEP program. According to the survey, 81 percent of candidates either strongly or somewhat agreed that accepting only small contributions from individuals is a good way to get more Connecticut citizens involved in politics. 85 percent of candidates who responded either strongly or somewhat agreed CEP participation reduced the appearance of being beholden to special interests.
Further, 89 percent of candidates either strongly or somewhat agreed that public financing allowed them to run for office without relying on personal wealth or large donors. 77 percent strongly or somewhat agreed that accepting CEP funds allowed them to spend less time fundraising and more time discussing issues with constituents.
The SEEC did not provide any detailed breakdown of the question wording, indicate what answer options candidates were provided, or provide information on the percentage of candidates whose response differed from ‘strongly agree’ or ‘somewhat agree’.
The survey also asked respondents whether the number of qualifying contributions for in-district or -in-state individuals was appropriate and achievable. 76 percent of respondents either strongly or somewhat agreed that it was. The remaining 24 percent of respondents either strongly or somewhat disagreed.
Respondents were also asked whether the dollar amount candidates needed to raise to qualify for a grant was appropriate and achievable. 81 percent of respondents either strongly or somewhat agreed that it was and 19 percent either strongly or somewhat disagreed.
A portion of the survey asked respondents about the usefulness of tools and other services the SEEC offers to campaigns as they navigate applying for grants and filing campaign finance reports.
In 2022, the SEEC provided a pre-application review of qualifying contribution documentation that campaigns could voluntarily fill out and submit. The survey asked whether campaigns had participated in the review and found it helpful. 49 percent of candidates indicated they had participated and found it very helpful. 31 percent indicated they had not participated. For treasurers, 40 percent indicated they had participated and found it very helpful. 41 percent indicated they had not participated.
Additionally, 60 percent of candidates and 61 percent of treasurers responding to the survey indicated CEP training was very helpful in understanding the process.
Common suggestions the SEEC received through the survey included releasing grants earlier; developing a referral program for candidates needing a treasurer; making eCRIS, the SEEC’s online platform for campaign finance filings, available to municipal campaigns; and making guidance about reporting expenditures for digital advertising clearer.
81 percent of treasurers indicated they would be interested in the development of a standardized online portal for contributions that interacts with eCRIS, generates backup documentation, and provides automatic electronic reports.
The survey also asked respondents whether they intended to participate in the CEP program in a future election. 68 percent indicated they would participate. 9 percent indicated they would not because they did not plan to run for office in the future. 1 percent indicated they would not because of independent expenditures. 9 percent were undecided.
You can read Part One of CII’s investigation into Connecticut’s Clean Election Program by clicking here.
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