WNYC/Gothamist senior political reporter Brigid Bergin hosts a conversation about how elections are financed, and what it means for our democracy.

How Do Elections Change When Taxpayers Help Pay For Them?First, we'll talk with a local elected official who has sought office both in New York City's system of public financing for political campaigns, and in a state election where all her money came from donors. NYC Council Member Tiffany Cabán (District 22, Astoria, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Woodside and Rikers Island) discusses what running for office looks like under those different systems, and how money can affect a candidate's priorities.

A Public Campaign Finance System for the Empire StateNext, we hear about some changes to the campaign finance system that experts at the Brennan Center argue could make our elections more democratic. Chisun Lee, director of the Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program previews a new program for a public financing system similar NYC's for the whole state, and more on the impact of dark money on politics.

Who's Funding Albany Lawmakers' Campaigns?Then, Albany reporter for WNYC and Gothamist Jon Campbell brings his reporting and analysis on how candidates vying for New York State offices are filling their campaign war-chests ahead of next month's midterm elections. Plus, callers try to guess whether a given big-money donor contributed to the campaign of incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, or Republican challenger Lee Zeldin.

Throughout the show, voters who have given to political campaigns call in to explain what motivated their decision.

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