Virginia Leadership Institute Political Fundraising Virginia Campaign Finance Law Kedric L. Payne November 7, 2009

Establishing A Candidate Committee

Statement of Organization A candidate must file a Statement of Organization within 10 days of: Receiving any campaign contributions Spending any money on the campaign; or Filing a certificate of candidate qualification or declaration of candidacy form

Requirements for Candidate Committee Committee must have bank account that is located in Virginia. Bank will typically require Committee to have tax ID (EIN). Committee must have a treasurer who is a registered voter in Virginia

Filing Statement of Organization Statement of Organization is filed with different entities depending on the office sought Statewide Candidate – File with State BOE General Assembly – File with State BOE and City or County of Residence Local Office – File with City or County of Residence

Soliciting Contributions

Contribution Limits VA law does not limit the amount of contributions a candidate may receive May receive contributions from an individual, corporation, union, association, or partnership Prohibited Donors: foreign nationals and foreign corporations

Donor Information Contributions exceeding $100/election from a donor must be itemized The following information should be collected for each donor: – Name – Address – Occupation, Employer, Location – If contributor is a political committee, type of committee and location – Date contribution received – Amount of contribution – Contributor’s total contributions to Date Solicitation form

Filing Periodic Reports

Content of Report – Receipts (Contributions, Rebates, Refunds, Interest, Loans) – Disbursements (Expenditures, Loans, Surplus Funds) – Outstanding Debts Report Due Date – Due dates vary based on the date of the election