About
The Citizens’ Election Fund provides matching County funds to candidates for County Council and County Executive based on qualified contributions to participating candidates. The Fund was created to provide public campaign financing to a candidate in a County office in an effort to reduce the role of large private contributions during the election process and instead encourage small, private donations.
Commission Information
Description:
The free Lunch and Learn program is designed to support all members of your campaign finance team by promoting best practices and helping to prevent common errors. Each session will begin at noon and last approximately 30 minutes, featuring 15 to 20 minutes of instruction followed by a brief Q&A. Sessions will be recorded and made available on the SBE website. Below is the full schedule through January 2026.
More information can be found here: Lunch and Learn.
| Date | Time | Subject |
|---|---|---|
|
Mon July 15 Mon Aug. 4 Mon Aug. 18 Mon Sep. 15
Mon Oct. 6 Mon Oct. 20 Mon Nov. 3 Mon Nov. 17 Mon Dec. 1 Mon Dec. 15 Mon Jan. 5 Mon Jan. 19 |
Noon Noon Noon Noon
Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon |
What is Public Financing Getting Started w/ Public Financing in MD CRIS How to Record Your Transactions Finding What You Need from MD SBE AND Bulk Uploads, Recording & Linking Receipts Is my Contribution Card correct? Submitting My Initial Matching Fund Report Troubleshooting Common PF Issues Welcome to MD FOCUS/ Goodbye MD CRIS MD FOCUS: How to Add / Amend Transactions MD FOCUS: How to Link / Review Data Entered MD FOCUS: How to File Your Submissions Handling Your 1st Required Report |
April 2013
- The Maryland General Assembly passed the Campaign Reform Act, which authorized Maryland counties to establish a campaign finance system for County Executive and County Council races.
April 5th, 2016
- The Howard County Council passed a resolution (4-1) to amend the County Charter to establish a Citizens’ Election Fund.
November 4th, 2016
- Howard County residents voted to adopt the amendment with 52% voting in favor.
June 5th, 2017
- The Howard County Council comprised of Jon Weinstein, Calvin Ball, Jen Terrasa, Mary Kay Sigaty, and Greg Fox at the time, passed a bill to create a public finance system for candidates who turn down large donations.
June 13th, 2017
- Then-County Executive Allan Kittleman vetoed the bill.
July 3rd, 2017
- The Howard County Council voted (4-1) to override then County Executive Kittleman’s veto, establishing the fund per the charter amendment and creating the Citizens Election Fund Commission to oversee the process.
January 2019
- Donations to the fund became available to residents either online or through their quarterly water and sewer bills.
May 2019
- The Citizens Election Fund was established, and they had their first meeting the following June.
May 2020
- The County Council approved County Executive Calvin Ball’s proposal to allocate $750,000 to support the Citizens Election Fund.
May 2021
- The County Council approved County Executive Calvin Ball’s proposal to allocate $500,000 to support the Citizens Election Fund.
May 2022
- The County Council approved County Executive Calvin Ball’s proposal to allocate $750,000 to support the Citizens Election Fund.
May 2023
- The County Council approved County Executive Calvin Ball’s proposal to allocate $250,000 to support the Citizens Election Fund.
October 2024
- The County Council passed CB46-2024, amending the provision of the Code to clarify certified candidates for County Executive or County Council in the Citizens’ Election Fund system; and generally related to the Citizens Election Fund system.
May 2025
- The County Council approved County Executive Calvin Ball’s proposal to allocate $680,000 to support the Citizens Election Fund.
- Ms. Suzanne Geckle (Chair)
- Ms. Nadine Bernard (Vice-Chair)
- Mr. Douglas Miller
- Mr. Ralph Frith
- Ms. Meagan Braganca
- Mr. Matt Dellinger
- Mr. Steven Wilson
Donations made to the Citizens’ Election Fund go toward Maryland State Board of Elections certified candidates who opt to participate in the program. Citizens wishing to make donations to the Citizens’ Election Fund, via credit card, may do so with the link below.
Please use the link below to view the Frequently Asked Questions. The FAQs were revised on November 6, 2025.
Please use the link below to view the Citizens’ Election Summary Guide. The guide was revised on November 6, 2025.
Please use the link below to see the Citizens’ Election Fund Adopted Rules of Procedure. Rules of Procedure were revised on 10/12/2021.
Please use the link below to see the Citizens’ Election Fund 2025 - 2026 Reporting Timeline.
Revised 7/18/2025
Please use the link below to see the Citizens’ Election Fund Qualifying Contribution Match Reference Guide.
Website: www.elections.state.md.us
Email: info.sbe@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-269-2880
Fax: 410-974-2019
Business Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00 PM, M – F
Any person may file a complaint alleging an impermissible receipt of or use of Citizens’ Election Fund monies.
(1) Complaints shall be in writing and made under oath, presented to the Commission, alleging a violation of the Howard County Citizens’ Election Fund law.
(2) The Commission shall notify the candidate within 10 business days that a complaint was filed and may require that the candidate provide the Commission with reasonable access to the financial records of the candidate’s Citizen Funded Campaign.
(3) If there is a reasonable basis for believing a violation has occurred, then the subject of the complaint shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Commission.
(4) Should the Commission determine that there has been an impermissible receipt or use of funds by a participating candidate, the Commission shall notify the candidate in writing of such finding. The Commission shall take appropriate action which may include repayment of any funds by the candidate’s campaign or individually, a referral to the Office of Law, and/or referral to the Attorney General.
(5) Until a final determination by the Commission, all actions regarding a complaint shall be treated confidentially.
To file a complaint, email citizenselectionfund@howardcountymd.gov
Please use the link below to see the 1/1/2019-12/31/2022 Election Cycle Audit.
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
March