March 20, 2020 •
FPPC Offers Guidance on Campaign Finance Filings in Wake of COVID-19
In light of the statewide shelter-in-place order, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) understands the unique and extraordinary situation caused by the united efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FPPC recognizes offices around the state are closed and the stay at home directive makes the filing of campaign statements and reports difficult.
An advisory has been issued encouraging candidates and committees to continue to make best efforts to timely disclose campaign activity to the public.
State and local candidates are encouraged to make use of electronic filing options, if available.
All candidates and committees filing campaign statements and reports with the Office of the Secretary or State may use the online filing system.
Local candidates and committees should contact their local filing officers to determine if electronic filing is available in their jurisdiction.
If a candidate or committee makes best efforts to comply with the Political Reform Act’s campaign finance disclosure rules but is unable to do so due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FPPC will consider this a strong mitigating factor in determining whether an enforcement action against the candidate or committee is appropriate.
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