Montgomery County Public Election Fund
In this section
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection serves as the official liaison to assist candidates running for office with operational and logistical questions regarding the Public Election Fund application process.
Resources:
- Public Election Fund Summary Guidebook (PDF)
- Montgomery County Department of Finance 2026 Election Cycle guidance, with timelines, reports and more
- Maryland Campaign Reporting Information System
- Election Law Article, Maryland State Board of Elections
About Montgomery County, Maryland’s Public Election Fund
The Montgomery County, Maryland’s Public Election Fund (PEF) is a public campaign financing program established to encourage greater voter participation in County elections. It also aims to increase opportunities for more residents to run for office, and reduce the influence of large contributions from businesses, political action groups, and other large organizations.
The County adopted legislation in 2014, establishing the PEF in January 2015 for the 2018 election cycle. Montgomery County is the first County in the United States to have a public campaign finance program for a local election. During the 2018 election cycle, 40 of 68 candidates who appeared on the County Council and County Executive election ballots filed an intent to participate in the program, with 23 candidates qualifying for the Program and receiving approximately $5.25 million in matching public funds. Seven of the 10 elected offices eligible to participate in the PEF program were attained by a candidate who participated in the program, including the highest elected office of County Executive.
Montgomery County’s Department of Finance earned a 2019 Achievement Award for outstanding programs from the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Roles and Responsibilities
Office of Consumer Protection
Provides answers to questions.
Assists applicants with questions regarding the Public Election Fund. The Public Election Fund Liaison team supports candidates throughout the process.
Department of Finance
Program administration. Pays candidates.
Assists applicants with finances associated with the fund once a candidate has filed and is approved by the state.
State of Maryland Board of Elections
Certifies candidates.
Manages the online Maryland Campaign Reporting Information System and registration process.