California Fair Elections Act of 2026: Public Campaign Financing and Foreign Influence Penalties
Plain-English Summary
Proposition 4 would allow counties, districts, most cities, and the state to establish public campaign financing programs, lifting a current ban. It would also increase penalties for violations related to foreign government or foreign principal influence on elections. Currently, only charter cities can offer such programs.
What each outcome does
If Proposition 4 passes, more local governments and the state would have the option to create public campaign financing programs, and penalties for foreign influence in elections would increase. Candidates participating in public financing would agree to spending limits.
If Proposition 4 fails, the current ban on public campaign financing for most cities, counties, districts, and the state would remain in effect. Penalties for foreign influence in elections would not be increased.
Who is funding each side
BallotPulse is non-partisan. We summarize each outcome in plain English and disclose the money on both sides. We do not tell you how to vote. Always read the official ballot text and decide for yourself.