Portland Elections Commission releases report analyzing Small Donor Elections 2024 performance

The Portland Elections Commission released its post-election report today, analyzing the 2024 election cycle and the impact of the Small Donor Elections program. The report highlights that the average contribution to winning candidates fell to under $40, demonstrating that small donations can effectively support competitive campaigns. In 2016, the wealthiest zip code contributed nearly 900 times more than the least affluent, but by 2024, that gap narrowed to a 21-to-1 ratio. Commissioner Amy Sample Ward noted that the program amplifies the voices of everyday voters and promotes accountability in governance. The report outlines 33 recommendations to adapt the program to emerging campaign challenges, including strategies to prevent contribution swapping.

Councilor Angelita Morillo stated that the program allows diverse candidates to run without relying on large donors. The Small Donor Elections program aims to build public trust in democratic institutions through transparency and continuous improvement. The commission is already implementing the report's recommendations to ensure future elections are fair and accessible.