Denver's Fair Elections Fund

Denver residents can make their voices heard in local elections with the Fair Elections Fund!

What is the Fair Elections Fund?
The Fair Elections Fund was approved by voters in 2018. It gives greater voice to small donors, reduces the influence of money in politics and encourages broader participation in local elections. The program lowers donation limits for all candidates, bans contributions from businesses and LLCs, and provides public matching funds to qualified candidates.

To qualify, a candidate agrees to lower contribution limits and to collect 100 qualifying contributions from Denver residents of at least $5, or 250 qualifying contributions for mayoral candidates. Once a candidate qualifies, all donations from Denver residents up to $50 are matched at a 9-to-1 ratio, meaning a $50 contribution can be matched with up to $450 in public funds. Candidates must also take part in at least one public debate organized by the Denver Clerk and Recorder.

All Fair Elections Fund dollars are audited to ensure they are spent only on election-related expenses. Campaign finance reports are posted publicly on SearchLight Denver. The program is funded through an annual appropriation of $3.43 per Denver resident.

Information for Candidates
The qualifying period for the 2027 municipal election has begun. Candidates may start collecting qualifying contributions, but no matching funds will be disbursed until August 2026.

Before collecting qualifying contributions, candidates must file for office and submit an FEF Intent Form in SearchLight Denver. After submitting their FEF Intent Form, they must attend a required Fair Elections Fund training.

Once a candidate has collected enough qualifying contributions, they may apply for certification. Certified candidates are eligible to receive matching funds up to the maximum amounts listed below. Candidates who advance to a runoff receive a one-time disbursement equal to 25% of the funds they received in the general election.

Candidates interested in participating in the Fair Elections Fund should review the resources on the Campaign Finance page and the candidate guides posted there. For information on how to appear on the ballot, see the Get on the Ballot page.

How much can I contribute?
Candidates participating in the Fair Elections Fund must follow lower contribution limits than non-participating candidates. Only natural persons and Small Donor Committees registered with the Denver Clerk and Recorder may contribute. Contributions from businesses, PACs, and any other entity are prohibited.