This Citizens Clean Elections Commission Nonparticipating Candidate Guide was created to provide information to candidates interested in running for legislative or statewide office. Participating candidates for statewide offices and legislative offices are eligible to participate in the public funding program. The system is voluntary; candidates may choose to participate in the system or they may choose to raise funds in the traditional manner. Candidates who choose to raise funds with private campaign contributions are referred to as “nonparticipating candidates.”

Our Vision: To help all Arizonans enjoy a better quality of life through their participation, understanding and confidence in state government.
Our Mission: To never stop searching for ways to improve on:
1. Helping people choose their leaders through fair, honest and accurate elections;
2. Letting people know what their government is doing by keeping a complete and accurate record of its actions and making that information readily available through library and records services;
3. Helping people form businesses, record important transactions and provide for their families.

A participating candidate is an individual who has decided to run for a statewide office or the Legislature, agrees not to accept special interest monies and adheres to the Citizens Clean Elections Act and commission rules. In return, the participating candidate will receive funding from the Citizens Clean Elections Fund. In order for a candidate to receive funding, the participating candidate must collect a specified number of $5 Qualifying Contributions from registered voters within his or her district for a legislative candidate or registered voters in Arizona for a statewide candidate.