FEBRUARY 2023

OFFICE OF CAMPAIGN AND POLITICAL FINANCE

It was great to see you at the Devens conference this month.

We didn't have time during our presentation to cover non-filers: candidates who fail to file reports with your office.

It's an important topic, so please see the next news item for information.

As always, contact us with your campaign finance questions this municipal election year: [email protected].

Did candidates and committees fail to file the year-end report with you?

If a candidate or committee has not filed a required report, the local election official must notify the delinquent person in writing (you may use e-mail). If the report is not filed within 10 days of the notice, the city or town clerk can notify OCPF, and they are subject to fines of $25 a day up to $5,000 for late reports.

CLICK HERE for full instructions.

Informally, you may choose to make courtesy phone calls to non-filers prior to sending late notices.

NEVER NEGATIVE

If a candidate gives you a report with a negative ending balance, they probably reported out-of-pocket expenditures incorrectly.

CLICK HERE for a guide on how to report out-of-pocket expenditures.

Our illustrated guides can help candidates file reports correctly

Tip: Share these links with your candidates

How to complete and file the M102 campaign finance form

How to report out-of-pocket candidate expenditures

How to account for credit and debit card fees (contributions)

SUMMARY OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE REQUIREMENTS ON THE LOCAL LEVEL

-All new candidates, who file with you, must submit a CPF M101 organizational form.

-Candidates who raise money must open a bank account.

-Towns: File campaign finance reports (M102) eight days before the general election, and 30 days afterward.

-Cities: Candidates who file locally submit campaign finance reports (M102) eight days before a preliminary election, if the candidate appears on the preliminary ballot, and eight days before the general election.

-Calculate reporting periods and due dates here.

-Cities and Towns: Year-end reports are due each Jan. 20 (but Jan. 22 in 2024).

OCPF PUBLISHED A NEW VIDEO FOR CANDIDATES WHO FILE WITH LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIALS (YOU):

The software allows candidates to prepare and print M102 campaign finance reports. They then file the report locally.

OCPF | 617-979-8300 | www.ocpf.us | [email protected]