Since 2011, Colleen Connor has provided legal representation to local officials through her position at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. A respected attorney, Colleen Connor is a recognized expert in local election law and has contributed an article to a peer-reviewed journal which discussed the Clean Elections Act.
In 1998, the Arizona electorate approved Proposition 200, known as the Clean Elections Act, by a narrow majority. As part of the act, the state established the five-member Clean Elections Commission, which oversees four programs that work toward increasing participation in state and federal elections. Three of the programs address campaign financing.
First, the act established the Clean Election Fund, which is financed through fines, candidate penalties, and small-dollar donations from local residents. Candidates running for a state-level office who agree to following stipulations outlined by the Act can receive public financing through the Clean Elections Fund.
The commission also handles and investigates claims levied against candidates who may have broken Clean Election rules. To improve the integrity of local elections, the commission also enacts a voter education plan that informs Arizona residents on candidates, policy issues, and the voter registration process.
