Yesterday we talked about the (1) A Statement of Economic Interest (SEI) … and today we will introduce you to the (2) Campaign Finance Disclosures. (Initial, quarterly, pre-election & final.)
Read yesterday’s SEI “Part I” article HERE.
Both of these candidate / campaign filings must be entered online with the SC State Ethics … and although it is relatively simple … you want to do it right … so LEARN IT, enjoy and relax!!!
[NOTE – STATE & LOCAL ONLY: It may be self evident, but these SC State Ethics Commission compliance matters are only for state & local positions. For our federal officials (US House & Senate) … that is a totally different system with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Read more HERE]
Campaign Finance Disclosures:
Like the SEI which seeks to disclose a candidate / elected officials personal “economic” or financial interest … the Campaign Finance Disclosure purpose is as simply stated, to disclose the donations and expenditures of a candidates campaign account.
These reports simply detail the donations, expenditures, any loans your campaign might receive … just the basic data. They can be a pain and the system can be a little clunky / quirky … you can assign this task out to your “Campaign Finance Committee” … but realize YOU are ultimately responsible, so make sure it is done right.
Again, don’t let these Campaign Finance Disclosures scare you off from running for office. #WeNeedYOU
https://ethics.sc.gov/campaigns/election-material
[NOTE – CAMPAIGN BANK ACCOUNT: Know that if you intend to spend any money, and you should expect to spend some, you will have to open a campaign bank account … and NO, you can not used your personal checking account!!! Setting up a campaign account is a relatively simple thing to do and we will add an article about that as well … but for the time being know you will need one.]
Reporting Due Dates:
Campaign Finance Reports:
Now this is where you can find some interesting financial stuff. There is still LOTS of ways our elected officials get around reporting the MONEY … but you can find some things in these campaign finance disclosures that are of interest.
Go ahead … search online for your favorite politician’s finance reports … see who their donors are and how they spend their donations. If you find anything interesting, send it to us at team@mySCGOP.com.
https://ethicsfiling.sc.gov/public/campaign-reports/reports