FAQs • Lancaster County, PA • CivicEngage

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.

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Campaign Finance Reporting & Filing

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.