Do you check "Presidential Election Campaign" box on your income tax form? Why or why not?

Question

On the IRS Form 1040 (and alternative income tax forms), near the top of the first page, there is a line that reads:

"Presidential Election Campaign: Check here if you . . . want $3 to go to this fund."

In the instructions for the form (p. 18), this is explained further:
"This fund helps pay for Presidential election campaigns. The fund
reduces candidates’ dependence on large contributions from indviduals and groups and places candidates on an equal financial
footing in the general election. If you want $3 to go to this fund,
check the box. If you are filing a joint return, your spouse can also
have $3 go to the fund. If you check a box, your tax or refund will
not change."

On the one hand, I can see where this might be fair, to help level the playing field.

On the other hand, I hate the idea that presidential elections depend so much on money, rather than ideas; and my tax dollars may have better uses.

So which box do you check, and what's your reasoning?

Answer 1

I used to check yes.... but now I check no.

Why?

Because if all the candidates were only allowed to use this money as the sole way to fund the campaign, then fine... I would donate.

But, why would I give money to people that are already loaded and who get millions in donations?

This Idea is way past its time.

Answer 2

I have never checked that box. I know that it is such a small amount, but if one million people choose not to contribute, that is $3,000,000 that would go to help balance the screwed up budget. If someone wants to run for president, they should pay for it out of there own pocket. If they came up with better campaign ideas, they wouldn't need all the money to try to win votes

Answer 3

No, they have plenty of money to spend. If what I heard was correct to get a cut of this money your party needs to get 5% of the votes in the previous election so only the Republicans and Democrats get it anyway. I want my $3 to be wasted on somthing that I don't know about!

Answer 4

Never will I support Neocons including 1040 tax returns...it's a scam

Answer 5

I never check that box, however I do check the one that makes the donation to parks/natural lands.

Answer 6

bypass on your close by placed up workplace or library do no longer bypass to a tax workplace and ask for loose workplace artwork - they do no longer artwork for the IRS and fairly fall sick of people getting into their workplace inquiring for loose suggestion/workplace artwork/and so on.