In the first of two required votes, Washington D.C. City Council voted unanimously in favor of the Fair Elections Act of 2017. The legislation would create a voluntary public campaign finance program for local elections.

Under the program, qualified candidates would receive a base sum that varies by office, as well as a 5-to-1 match on small donations. If passed, the program would not be in place until 2020.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has previously stated she would not fund the program; however, City Council can allocate money to pay for the program, according to the bill’s author, D.C. Council member David Grosso.

Washington D.C. City Council is reviewing four bills that would impose new regulations and restrictions on political contributions.

Three bills under review would add various pay-to-play provisions. A fourth, which will be voted on by City Council on January 9, would institute public campaign financing for local elections.

The legislation, however, is not without its opponents.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she would not fund a public financing program. The public finance program, if passed by the Council, would not be in place until 2020.

Council Member David Grosso said if Bowser does not choose to fund the bill in her budget, the council can allocate money for the program.