Elections > Campaign Finance > Campaign Finance FAQs
Campaign Finance FAQs
- Where can I view disclosure reports that have been filed with the SOS?
- What are the current contribution limits?
- What are the reporting deadlines?
- As a candidate, when do I have to start reporting?
- As a PAC, when do I have to start reporting?
- How do I submit reports?
- Does a campaign finance report have to be current to the day that it is filed?
- How should a candidate handle a surplus in a campaign account?
- Can political parties use a raffle to fundraise?
- How is an infraction of the campaign finance law enforced
- As a candidate, I didn’t spend or raise $500. Do I have to submit a report?
- Do candidates for local office have to file reports?
- What is a mass media report?
- Do I have to identify who paid for campaign materials on the material?
- How can a candidate correct an error on a prior report?
Where can I view disclosure reports that have been filed with the SOS?
Beginning with the 2015-2016 election cycle, all candidates, PACs, and political parties are required to register and file their disclosures through our online filing system.
All reports filed in the system will be instantly accessible and searchable by the public through our online search interface.
What are the current contribution limits?
Please see outline of contribution limits at the Campaign Finance main page.
What are the reporting deadlines?
Please see the deadlines on the Campaign Finance main page.
As a candidate, when do I have to start reporting?
Candidates who spend or raise $500 must register with the Office of the Secretary of State within 10 days of doing so. 17 V.S.A. §2921
As a PAC, when do I have to start reporting?
PACs are required to register with the Office of the Secretary of State within 10 days of making expenditures of $1,000 or more and accepting contributions of $1,000 or more. 17 V.S.A. §2922.
How do I submit reports?
All campaign finance disclosures for all entities must be filed through the online filing system. 17 V.S.A. §2961(b)
Does a campaign finance report have to be current to the day that it is filed?
No. The law states that contributions received and expenditures made after 5 p.m. on the third day prior to a reporting deadline shall be reported on the next report. 17 V.S.A. §2963(b)(4).
How should a candidate handle a surplus in a campaign account?
The law prohibits candidates from converting any surplus to personal use. Candidates, however, may use these surplus funds to reduce personal campaign debts. 17 V.S.A. §2924. A candidate may contribute a surplus to a charity, or another candidate or a political party. If money remains in a campaign account, the candidate must continue to file reports on that account until it is closed.
Can political parties use a raffle to fundraise?
Yes. This is an exception to the general rules prohibiting gambling. 13 V.S.A. §2143a.
How is an infraction of the campaign finance law enforced
Complaints about whether a candidate, contributor, PAC, or party has complied with the requirements of Vermont law are filed with the attorney general’s office or the county state’s attorney. The office investigates the complaint, and a decision is made whether to file a court action to enforce the law.
As a candidate, I didn’t spend or raise $500. Do I have to submit a report?
Candidates for statewide, general assembly, and county offices who do not reach the monetary threshold, must file a statement with the Office of the Secretary of State within 10 days of the election indicating that the threshold was not met. 17 V.S.A. §2966
Do candidates for local office have to file reports?
Yes, if a candidate for local office raises or spends over $500, they must file reports thirty days prior, ten days prior, the Friday before and two weeks after the local election. Candidates must also file a final report within forty days after the local election, but this may be the report filed two weeks after the election. 17 V.S.A. §2968
What is a mass media report?
Any person who spends $500 or more on a mass media activity within 45 days of an election, must file a report. Mass media activities include TV, newspaper, and radio ads; mass mailings; mass electronic communications; literature drops; robo calls; and telephone banks. 17 V.S.A. §§2971, 2901(11)
Do I have to identify who paid for campaign materials on the material?
Campaign materials (lawn signs, ads, mailings, etc.) must contain the name and mailing address of the person, candidate, PAC, or party that paid for the communication. Lapel stickers and buttons do not need to contain this information. 17 V.S.A. §2972
How can a candidate correct an error on a prior report?
Candidates can file amended reports to correct any information on previously filed reports.
Contact Information
Elections Division
128 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633
Office Hours:
7:45 to 4:30, Monday - Friday
(Except Holidays)
802-828-2363
Contact the Elections Division
