Candidate Campaign Finance - Question & Answer

Q: Do I have to report if I am a candidate funding my own campaign?

A: Yes. It is the obligation to disclose all of the receipts and expenditures of his/her campaign, including their own money (EL 14-101(1)). Once a candidate exceeds the $1,000 threshold in the aggregate receipts or expenditures for a campaign he or she must begin to file itemized reports commencing with the reporting period when the threshold is crossed. The initial itemized report filed must contain an itemization of all receipts and expenditures.

Q: What are the requirements for submitting campaign materials to NYSBOE?

A: Any filer required to file primary, general and/or special election reports must, at the same time the applicable post-election campaign finance disclosure report is due, submit copies of all the filer's campaign materials, purchased or produced by or under the authority of the person filing the post-election report, or the committee or the person on whose behalf it is filed.

Campaign materials include all broadcast, cable or satellite schedules and scripts, internet, print and other types of advertisements, pamphlets, flyers, brochures, letterheads and other printed matter.

Q: Who needs to file financial reports with the state?

A: All candidates are required to file with the SBOE. If running for a town or city position and the town or city’s population is less than 10,000 and you do not plan to spend or raise an aggregated amount of $1,000 you can file a CF-05 Form, Candidate or Committee Claim of Exemption (PDF). If you spend/raise more $1,000 you will need to complete a CF-04 form, Candidate Campaign Finance Registration Form (PDF) to obtain your Filer ID # and Pin from the NYS BOE. You will need this for all filings with the NYS BOE. All fillings with the state are done electronically via computer. This will include periodical filings unless you close your account after the election.

Q: What do I need to file if I will have a committee?

A: If you plan on having a committee you will need to complete a CF-16 form, Candidate’s Authorization for a Committee to Make Campaign Financial Disclosures (PDF).

Q: Who must file financial reports?

A: Anyone who is running for a Village, Town, County, State, or Federal position.

Q: Which towns and cities have a population of over 10,000?

A: The City of Amsterdam has a population over 10,000 at this time. You will be required to file the CF-01 form NYS BOE Disclosure Statement (PDF) for each financial disclosure date that applies to you.

Q: If I am required to file a CF-01 and I am not in a Primary Election do I need to file financial forms for the Primary Election Dates?

A: NO only the General Election dates.

Q: Where do I get these forms?

A: These forms can be obtained either by going to the Board of Elections in Fonda, or visiting the NYS BOE website*, click on campaign finance.

Q: Is there a handbook that tells me what I must claim?

A: Yes, you can look at or print a copy of the NYS BOE’s handbook*, you will find it at the right hand side of the screen, at the bottom, click on 2010 Campaign Finance Disclosure Handbook.

Q: Is there a handout with all of the Elections Dates?

A: Yes, you may pick one up at the Montgomery County BOE in Fonda, or by visiting the State BOE website* and looking for the Political Calendar.

If you have any questions please contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections or go to the NYS BOE website*.