The Steps: In Brief

1. Local filers organize with the local election official, usually the city or town clerk, by filing the M101 form. Even candidates without a committee file the M101.

2. Open a standard checking account to deposit contributions. Most banks require an EIN from the IRS to open an account.

3. In towns, file the M102 campaign finance form eight days before the election and 30 days afterward. The reporting period dates can be calculated here

4. In cities, local filers file the M102 campaign finance form eight days before the preliminary election, if the filers appear on the preliminary ballot, and eight days before the general election.

5. Year-end reports are filed each Jan. 20 by municipal candidates.

Downloads

FileDescription# of Pages
Campaign Finance Guide: Local Election Officials This guide provides an overview of the campaign finance responsibilities of city and town clerks and local election officials. 22
Sample Notification Local election officials notify candidates and committees prior to a campaign finance report due date. This is a sample notification. 1
Campaign Finance Tracking Form for Local Election Officials This form assists local election officials with their campaign finance duties before and after reports are filed by candidates and committees. 1
Fact Sheet: Campaign Finance Disclosure in Municipal Elections An overview of the campaign finance disclosure requirements for municipal elections. 2
OCPF Memorandum: Referral of Municipal Non-filers This memorandum outlines the requirement that the director of OCPF, after referral by a local election official, assess a civil penalty against candidates and treasurers of political committees for any late filed report. This memorandum also sets forth the procedure that local election officials should follow in order to comply with state law. 6

Committee Organization Forms for candidates & committees that register with local election officials

Candidates and Candidate Committees
Candidates for local offices with reporting requirements to their local election officials
Statement of Organization: CPF M 101.
Statement of Candidate Not Raising or Expending Campaign Funds: CPF M 109

Segregated Fund Accounts Legal defense, recount and inaugural funds
On behalf of candidates who register with their local election officials
Statement of Organization: CPF M 101 SFA.

Local Political Action Committees
Organized to support or oppose a roster of candidates in a single municipality.
Statement of Organization: CPF M 101 PC

Local Ballot Question Committees
Organized to support or oppose a question appearing on a city or town ballot.
Statement of Organization: CPF M 101 BQ

Change of Treasurer/Acceptance of Office by New Treasurer
CPF M T 101

Reporting Forms & Instructions for candidates and committees that file with their local election officials

  • Municipal Campaign Finance Report - CPF M 102   Instructions   (Sch. A addendum)   (Sch. B addendum)
  • Itemization of Reimbursements Form - CPF R 1
  • Municipal Campaign Finance Report - No Financial Activity - CPF M 102-0
  • Amendment to Campaign Finance Report - CPF 102A
  • Municipal Report of Ballot Question Expenditures by Corporation, Organization or Individual - CPF M 22
  • Municipal Report of Governmental Treasurer - CPF 22A
  • Municipal Report of Independent Expenditures Promoting Election or Defeat of Candidate(s) - CPF M18A
  • Municipal Report of Independent Expenditures Promoting Election or Defeat of Candidate(s) for Independent Expenditure PACs CPF M102IEPAC
  • Municipal Report of Subvendor Payments - CPF M18D
  • Municipal Report of Donations to Inauguration, Recount or Legal Defense Funds Form - CPF M18E
  • Municipal Report of Electioneering Communication Expenditure - CPF M18F
  • Municipal Report of Contributions from Gaming License Applicants - CPF M119

Candidates disqualified from appearing on any municipal preliminary, state primary or general or special election ballot

CPF ID Name/Address Disqualified since Document