An object, typically photoconductor drum (2) is electrically charged by placing a contact charger member (1) in abutment with the object to be charged (2) and applying voltage between the contact charger member (1) and the object (2). Charging is effected by properly controlling the capacitance of the contact charger member (1), the capacitance of the object (2), and the applied voltage. A sufficient charged potential is achieved through the application of a relatively low voltage, while preventing ozone generation. The portion of the charger member (1) which is in abutment with the object to be charged (2) has a less or greater work function than the surface of the object and can be made by a conductive polymer or a polyurethane having a resistivity of 10⁴ to 10¹² Ω.cm.