Frequently Asked Questions
Why a PAC?
The campaign-contribution system in Iowa is broken. Current laws put no limits on the amounts that an individual can contribution to a candidate or a campaign. Our laws also permit out-of-state individuals and PACs to pour unlimited funds into Iowa campaigns. As a result, big money drives our elections, often at the last minute.
In the long run, we need to reform Iowa’s campaign financing laws. But we can’t wait for reform. To elect progressive candidates right now, the current laws are all we’ve got. Our approach is to use the existing laws for Political Action Committees (PACs) laws in Iowa, which traditionally favor big business and wealthy donors, to create a new kind of PAC that brings together small donors to have a big impact on our local elections.
Why monthly donations?
Monthly contributions are key to the Iowa People’s PAC strategy. Small recurring contributions are easier for individuals to make, and they add up over time. Think of the Iowa People’s PAC as a political savings plan that unites small donors into a powerful political force. Every donor who makes an ongoing commitment to the PAC becomes a member of the PAC, with an equal voice in choosing candidates to support.
With a base of recurring contributions, the PAC can plan ahead for future elections. Our goal is to bring together 50 to 200 committed monthly donors averaging $20 per month each election cycle. After primary elections, we close the PAC to new donors and focus on building consensus among our members about which candidates deserve our support.
We think that an ongoing financial commitment also gives members a tangible stake in the political process, encouraging us to stay politically engaged in other ways, too, such as contacting representatives and volunteering for campaigns or political parties.
Finally, a small one-time donation is helpful, but doesn’t qualify for voting privileges of membership in the PAC. We do allow one-time contributions of $360 or more, which equals our targeted average contribution of $20 per month over eighteen months. Donors who support of the PAC at this level will have a voice in the PAC’s decision-making process.
Why focus on local elections?
We’d all like to see things change in Washington, but real change starts at home. It doesn’t take big money to make candidates viable for city and county offices or seats at the Iowa Statehouse. And the recent example of the Tea Party movement has shown that a relentless effort to elect candidates at the local level eventually has an effect on Washington.
Why give matching funds?
Our goal is to make progressive candidates viable. Grassroots support from volunteers and individual donors is key to any successful campaign. When we match donations to local candidates, we double our impact and make good candidates viable faster. We also encourage candidates to win in a way that we believe will make them more responsive to local concerns, instead of state or national special interests.
Can the PAC contribute all funds to one candidate?
No. Iowa law prohibits the formation of a PAC to support a single candidate. In each election cycle, we identify different local candidates to support.
Can a PAC member run for office?
A member of the PAC may run for office. Before they declare their intent or take any action to become a candidate (even if they are not officially on the ballot), they must terminate their monthly contributions to the Iowa People’s PAC. They may encourage remaining PAC members to support their candidacy, but no longer have voting rights in the PAC. No PAC steering committee member may run for office during the election cycle in which they are directing the PAC.
Will the PAC participate in the primary or the general election?
We only contribute to candidates in the general election. We believe this is the most effective use of our funds.
In which elections will we support candidates?
The Iowa People’s PAC is a state PAC centered in Grinnell, Iowa. The PAC will provide support for candidates nominated and chosen by our members. We give preference to candidates in the local elections for Grinnell and Poweshiek County, including city and county elections for those localities and state-level elections for districts that include Poweshiek County. This area includes Iowa House District 76 and Iowa Senate District 38. We also are open to supporting candidates anywhere in Iowa with strong roots in the Grinnell community. We hope that the people’s PAC becomes a model for progressive change in local elections across Iowa.
How does our candidate-selection process work?
The PAC will choose candidates to support using a two-step process built on principles of participation and consensus. Once candidates are known, any PAC member may nominate candidates to support. The PAC will announce open nomination periods prior to the general election. To be eligible for a matching contribution from the PAC, a nominated candidate must receive support from at least two-thirds of PAC membership. Support will be determined by a meeting of the PAC membership, followed by in-person and online voting. The PAC will use an instant run-off format, with the top two candidates eligible for matching funds. In the case of a special election, the same process applies as in regularly scheduled primary and general elections. If no candidates receive support from two thirds of PAC members in any specific election, the PAC will reserve all funds for a future election.
Who can be a member of the Iowa People’s PAC?
Membership is open to any resident of the State of Iowa who commits to making a recurring contribution to the PAC of at least $5 per month. Membership is also open to any Iowa resident who makes a one-time donation of at least $360, the equivalent of $20 a month for 18 months. Click here to make a one-time contribution.
We aspire to an average contribution of at least $20 per month, but recognize that individuals differ in their financial circumstances. We encourage individuals with greater financial means to contribute more than $20 a month to bring the overall average up to that level. A member may increase or decrease their monthly contributions at any time. To participate in deciding which candidates to support, a member must either:
Be an actively monthly contributor in any amount; or
Have contributed at least $360 total to the PAC over a two-year election cycle.
Can my spouse or partner and I contribute jointly?
No. Iowa state law requires us to receive each contribution from one specific donor. It's against state law for one person to contribute to a PAC or candidate on behalf of another person. This doesn't preclude you from using a jointly-held credit card or bank account to make a contribution, it just means that your contribution must be attributed to one specific person.
This leaves couples two options:
You can make one contribution in one person's name, then participate in the PAC jointly in terms of nominating and choosing candidates to support (one vote).
You can each make a contribution, either doubling or dividing the total you would otherwise contribute as a couple. No matter the amounts, this gives you each a say in nominating and choosing candidates (two votes).
How do voting rights work?
No matter the amount of a member’s contribution to the PAC, each member has an equal voice in the PAC’s decision-making process for determining which candidates to support.
How many members will the PAC have?
The PAC will have at most 200 members each election cycle. Membership will be closed when that number is reached.
How will the PAC protect the interests of early members?
Even if the PAC has not yet reached 200 members, membership in the PAC will be closed several months prior to the general election. We will not allow new members to join at the last moment.
Will the PAC use my money to fund campaign attack ads?
No. The PAC will not fund so-called “issue ads”, which are often thinly-veiled attempts to slander elected officials and candidates for public office. Nor will the PAC use membership funds to pay for independent political ads supporting individual candidates. We will only use PAC membership funds to make contributions directly to candidates whose campaigns we support.
what other expenses does the pac incur?
The PAC uses some funds to cover basic operating expenses, like promotional materials, a public website, and transaction fees for processing contributions. The PAC does not hire campaign consultants or pollsters. While corporations may sponsor PACs in Iowa and pay for associated administrative costs, the People’s PAC is volunteer-led and must cover its own nominal expenses. Currently, and for the foreseeable future, the PAC does not have any paid staff.
Will my monthly donations to the PAC continue indefinitely?
All recurring contributions end with each election cycle. This PAC is not like other subscription services (including nonprofits) that continue to charge you indefinitely until you think to cancel, and then make you feel bad about it. We do, however, offer our members the option to choose to continue their contributions.
What will the PAC do with my personal info?
In accordance with Iowa law, the names, addresses, and contribution amounts of individuals making contributions to the PAC will be reported to Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board and published online at the data.iowa.gov website. State law allows parties and candidates for public office in Iowa to use this data in their campaigns. This data may not be used by charities for soliciting donations.
The Iowa People’s PAC will not under any circumstances, except as required by law, share our membership list in any way. The Iowa People’s PAC will not sell or rent your personal information.