An Act relative to fair elections

SD 368 creates a voluntary public matching fund program for candidates running for Massachusetts state Senate or House seats. To participate, candidates must submit a declaration of intent and collect qualifying $5 donations from registered voters in their district during a set period. Certified candidates receive public funds that match small donations (up to $200) at a 6:1 ratio, while limiting total individual contributions to $100 per election cycle. The bill requires participants to follow strict spending rules and prohibits accepting most other contributions, with non-participating candidates remaining subject to standard campaign finance laws.