Campaign Finance for Board/Committee Members

WHO? All Board/Committee members who hold a position which is normally elected, even if they were personally appointed to a position to fill a vacancy. 

Example: The Planning Board is an elected board. If a Planning Board member resigns in November, someone can be appointed to fill this vacancy until the next election. Even though this person was appointed they hold a typically elected seat and must still file campaign finance reports.

WHAT?  

Candidates must file either a M109, M102 or a M102-0.  In addition, all candidates must file an organizational form. 

M109: Form for those who will have zero financial activity. 

M102: Campaign finance report.  Instructions (Sch. A addendum)   (Sch. B addendum)

M102-0: This campaign finance form can be signed by a candidate who has not received any contributions, made any expenditures, or incurred any liabilities during a reporting period, and does not have a balance in his or her campaign account. Also, a candidate who signs this form cannot have a political committee.

CPF M101 Organizational Form: This form must be completed by all candidates on the ballot for the current year. 

WHEN? The Town Clerk will send out reminders when reports are due, but here is more information for those wishing to plan ahead. 

  • If your name is/was on the ballot for this calendar year and
    • if you have financial activity, then you file one report eight days prior to the election, one 30 days after the election and one in January (due January 20th).  Specific due dates can be calculated here. 
    • if you have no financial activity, then you can file 1 report which is due eight days prior to the election. 
  • If your name is/was not on the ballot for this calendar year whether or not you have financial activity
    • file just once in January (due January 20th)

All candidates on the ballot for the current year, must also file an organizational form before the election. 

WHY? It is required by MGL c. 55 § 18. 

HOW? Instructions are provided in the link above for the M102. More information about filing Campaign Finance is available here. If you need any further assistance please visit the Town Clerk. She would be happy to assist candidates with any questions they may have. 

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