More in Public Election Fund

Get started with the Public Election Fund

  1. Submit your Certificate of Candidacy.

    Complete the Certificate in person at the Montgomery County Board of Elections. See Board of Elections candidate resources and instructions. Complete this step by February 26, 2026.

  2. Register your committee.

    Register your public campaign financing committee with the Maryland Campaign Reporting Information System (MDCRIS). Complete this step by April 15, 2026.

    Your Notice of Intent is generated automatically after you complete MDCRIS registration.

  3. Get certified.

    Complete the certification requirements detailed below.

Certification requirements

You can get certified in a contested election for the Public Election Fund (PEF) by

Qualifying contributions

Receipts for the:

  • required number of qualifying contributions, and
  • aggregate minimum

Reporting requirements

A campaign finance report that includes:

  • each qualifying contribution received
  • each expenditure made
  • all receipts associated with each contribution and expenditure

Candidacy requirements

  • Certificate of Candidacy (County Board of Elections)
  • Notice of Intent, generated when you register with MDCRIS (State Board of Elections)

Contribution receipts

Contribution Receipts Requirements Flyer (PDF)

Contribution receipts must include the

  • full name of the candidate for the county elective office
  • contributor's name
  • contributor's residential address in Montgomery County (No P.O. Box)
  • amount of contribution
  • date of contribution
  • contributor signature

County Executive

County Executive Certification Flyer (PDF)

Qualifying Contribution receipts needed

  • 500 qualifying contributions
  • $40,000 aggregate minimum

Public contributions

Maximum public contribution: $870,170 per election
Matching Ratio for Public Dollars Qualified Contribution Threshold
7 to 1 First $50
4 to 1 $51 to $100
2 to 1 $101 to $150
0 $151 - $500

Smiling man in suit jacket and plaid shirt

Council-at-Large

Council-at-Large Certification Flyer (PDF)

Qualifying Contribution receipts needed

  • 250 qualifying contributions
  • $20,000 aggregate minimum

Public contributions

Maximum public contribution: $290,060 per election
Matching Ratio for Public Dollars Qualified Contribution Threshold
5 to 1 First $50
3 to 1 $51 to $100
2 to 1 $101 to $150
0 $151 - $500

Group of six people in business attire

District Council

District Council Certification Flyer (PDF)

Qualifying Contribution receipts needed

  • 125 qualifying contributions
  • $10,000 aggregate minimum

Public contributions

Maximum public contribution: $145,030 per election
Matching Ratio for Public Dollars Qualified Contribution Threshold
5 to 1 First $50
3 to 1 $51 to $100
2 to 1 $101 to $150
0 $151 - $500

Two people shaking hands across a table, with other people seated at the table looking on.