How does a candidate qualify for the Fair Elections benefits?
To demonstrate viability as a candidate, a candidate must gather a minimum number and amount of qualifying contributions of between $5 and $100 from in-state donors. The minimum number of qualifying contributions required for a candidate in any particular state is determined by the following formula: 2,000 + 500*(# of Congressional districts). The minimum amount of qualifying contributions required is 10% of the grant to which the candidate would be eligible for the primary election if the candidate were to qualify (as described below). In Illinois, for example, a candidate must raise at least $241,200 from at least 11,500 in-state donors.
