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1. What is required to open a Campaign Committee?

• Political Committee Registration Form
• Authorization Form signed by the Candidate
• A Chairperson
• A Treasurer
• A Bank Account

2. Must a committee always have a chairperson and treasurer?

Yes. No contributions can be received or expenditures made unless both positions are filled.

3. Is there a limit on the amount of money that an individual can contribute?

There is no limit, however, if the aggregate amount is in excess of $100, it cannot be cash.

4. If a candidate runs an advertisement on radio/television, a billboard or printed sign, does a candidate need to disclose who paid for the advertisement?

Yes, the “disclaimer” notice applies to all general public political advertising.

5. Are there any exceptions to the disclaimer rule?

Yes, the disclaimer requirement does not apply to bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens, and similar items upon which the statement cannot be conveniently printed.

6. Is a candidate and/or committee required to file an Expense Report or Statement in every reporting period?

Yes, if you are an active candidate on the ballot for the existing election year and did not complete the Waiver of Expense Affidavit or are a committee supporting such candidate. However, committees or candidates which remain active but are dormant, such as when an incumbent is not a candidate in a given year, may fulfill their obligations by filing only an Annual Report.

7. When can I terminate my candidate or committee accounts?

When you are no longer on the ballot or considered a candidate and have achieved a zero cash balance. If a cash balance exists that you wish to dispose of, you may do so by contributing same to any other political committee.

8. Must Campaign Finance Reports and Statements be notarized?

Yes, signatures of both the candidate and treasurer must be notarized.

9. Are Campaign Finance Reports public records upon filing?

Yes, they become public information and are available for inspection or copying in our office during normal business hours.

10. Are there penalties for filing a late report?

Yes, the fee is $10 for each day or part of a day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays that a report is overdue. An additional fee of $10 is due for each of the first six days that a report is overdue. The maximum fee payable for a single report is $250.