West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections is preparing for the 2009 Legislative session with a video contest targeted at young adults, urging them to support the movement to get the West Virginia Public Campaign Financing Act passed.

 

The group - a coalition of faith based, environmental and government groups and labor unions - has been urging the Legislature to pass the Act since 2002. The bill would allow legislative candidates to receive public financing for their campaigns if they opt not to take private contributions and adhere to strict spending limits.

"We want some of these videos showing why citizens think this [West Virginia Public Campaign Financing Act] is a good program because the Legislature will have to vote on it," said coalition coordinator Carol Warren. "In order for them to approve it, we know that they'll have to see citizens in their district who think it is a good idea."

A DVD compilation of the videos will be distributed to the Legislature.

The contest is geared towards college and high school students with knowledge of state-level politics, though everyone is welcome to enter. The three best videos will receive cash prizes of $100, $150 and $200.

"This is a good opportunity to have young people take a look at the voter-owned concept and learn about the benefits. Hopefully, they'll be inspired to enter the contest, and the videos they create will spark additional interest and support," said Warren.

To enter, contestants must upload their videos to YouTube and subscribe to the WV Clean Elections channel. They must also submit a DVD and registration form by Feb. 7. Winners will be announced by Feb. 20.

Download a registration form or get more information at www.wvoter-owned.org.

West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections is preparing for the 2009 Legislative session with a video contest targeted at young adults, urging them to support the movement to get the West Virginia Public Campaign Financing Act passed.

 

The group - a coalition of faith based, environmental and government groups and labor unions - has been urging the Legislature to pass the Act since 2002. The bill would allow legislative candidates to receive public financing for their campaigns if they opt not to take private contributions and adhere to strict spending limits.

"We want some of these videos showing why citizens think this [West Virginia Public Campaign Financing Act] is a good program because the Legislature will have to vote on it," said coalition coordinator Carol Warren. "In order for them to approve it, we know that they'll have to see citizens in their district who think it is a good idea."

A DVD compilation of the videos will be distributed to the Legislature.

The contest is geared towards college and high school students with knowledge of state-level politics, though everyone is welcome to enter. The three best videos will receive cash prizes of $100, $150 and $200.

"This is a good opportunity to have young people take a look at the voter-owned concept and learn about the benefits. Hopefully, they'll be inspired to enter the contest, and the videos they create will spark additional interest and support," said Warren.

To enter, contestants must upload their videos to YouTube and subscribe to the WV Clean Elections channel. They must also submit a DVD and registration form by Feb. 7. Winners will be announced by Feb. 20.

Download a registration form or get more information at www.wvoter-owned.org.