Nearly three-quarters of Oakland voters (74%) approved an initiative in 2022 that took a comprehensive approach to campaign finance solutions in the city. However, one of its historic changes is in need of funding if it is going to be implemented by 2026; namely, its "democracy dollars" public finance system.

New proposals introduced in the state Senate last week would set strict limits to quell the exorbitant spending in Oregon elections — without the same loopholes included in other bills introduced by top Democrats this session.

After Oakland’s vote in November, proponents want democracy vouchers in other California cities.

Susan Mottet, director of Portland’s Small Donor Elections program, wrote in an Oct. 10 letter to Gonzalez that the city, under administrative rules, can withhold public funds in cases of “high outstanding penalty amounts” or “egregious violations.”

Portland City Council candidate Rene Gonzalez on Tuesday formally asked elections officials to waive a whopping $77,000 fine, arguing that a deeply discounted downtown office space he received from a wealthy supporter does not run afoul of the city’s campaign finance rules.

Since May, Gonzalez’s campaign has paid a mere $250 a month to rent more than 3,000 square feet in a Southwest 11th Avenue office building owned by Jordan Schnitzer, a real estate mogul and philanthropist who also donated the most money allowed by law, $250, to the candidate, according to city elections officials and campaign finance reports.

Last year's elections saw gains in use of the public campaign financing system among people of color, younger, and lower-income Seattleites, according to a new report.

Oregonians should take back control of their elections by limiting campaign contributions and ensuring that candidates focus on the needs of the broader community - not just wealthy donors - write Khanh Le of Unite Oregon and Kate TItus of Common Cause Oregon.

Brian A. Benjamin, New York’s second in command to Gov. Kathy Hochul, was charged with bribery, fraud and falsification of records while a state senator.