What are the rules regarding campaign finance disclosures?

In North Carolina, state election law mandates that all candidates, political action committees (PACs), and other groups that contribute to political campaigns must disclose their funds to the public. This process is known as campaign finance disclosure. In order to make the disclosure process transparent, North Carolina law requires all political committees—defined as any group or individual that accepts, spends, or contributes more than $200 in a calendar year for the purpose of influencing the outcome of an election—to register with their local county board of elections. The committee must also submit either a disclosure statement, itemized accounting report, or both within 10 days after making a contribution or expenditure of more than $500. These disclosure statements document the committee’s contributions, expenditures, and other financial activity. They must include the identification of the person or group making the contribution, as well as the amount donated. The reports must also list the names and addresses of those receiving the contributions. In order to maintain transparency, all of the disclosure statements must be available to the public to review. In addition, those making independent expenditures—defined as any expenditure made for the purpose of influencing the outcome of an election without the express written or verbal consent of any candidate—must also file a disclosure statement within 24 hours of making the expenditure. Overall, North Carolina’s campaign finance disclosure laws provide a greater understanding of who is supporting or opposing political candidates as well as informing the public of what kind of money is being used for political campaigns.

Related FAQs

What is the role of the state election board?
What is the process for recounts and contesting election results?
How are voting districts determined?
What are the rules regarding political advertisements?
What is the National Popular Vote Compact?
What are the rules for third-party candidates?
What are the rules for provisional ballots?
What is the role of non-governmental organizations in the election process?
What are the rules regarding campaign finance limits?
What is the role of local media in the election process?

Related Blog Posts

What Are the Basics of Election Law? - July 31, 2023
Understanding Your Right to Vote Under Election Law - August 7, 2023
Navigating Election Laws: A Guide for Candidates - August 14, 2023
Election Law and the Electoral College – What You Need to Know - August 21, 2023
An Overview of Election Laws and How They Impact a Voter's Rights - August 28, 2023