Committees & Campaign Finance Reporting

Overview

Campaign finance laws are complex and highly technical. As in past elections, City staff cannot interpret campaign finance law for candidates. Candidates/committees are responsible for reading and understanding campaign finance laws. For a legal interpretation of campaign finance law, and to ensure compliance with state law, candidates/committees may wish to consult with an attorney. 

A Handbook was developed by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns to help candidates/committees better understand the Campaign Finance statutes as they relate to cities/towns. With recent changes in campaign finance law, it is being updated and will be posted as soon as it is completed. The Handbooks posted above have been prepared by the Arizona Secretary of State's Office and while they provide for electronic filing, which we do not at this time, the information provided may be helpful for your understanding of the laws.

Candidate Committees

A candidate is required to register a committee if the candidate receives contributions or makes expenditures, in any combination, of at least $500 in connection with that candidacy.

Candidates are required to file a Candidate Statement of Interest with the City Clerk before collecting nomination petition signatures. Any signatures collected before the Statement of Interest is filed with the City Clerk are invalid and may be subject to challenge pursuant to A.R.S. § 16-351. 

Campaign Finance Handbook for Candidates (PDF)

Political Action Committees

An entity must register a political committee if it meets both of the following conditions: 1) the entity is organized for the primary purpose of influencing the result of an election; and 2) the entity knowingly receives contributions or makes expenditures, in any combination, of at least $1,300 in connection with any election during a calendar year. “Primary purpose” is defined in A.R.S. § 16-901(43).

Campaign Finance Handbook for Political Action Committees (PDF)