Campaign Finance

The campaign finance law, Chapter 55 of the Massachusetts General Laws, is a comprehensive statute governing the financing of political campaigns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The statute requires, for example, that candidates and political committees disclose all contributions received and expenditures made. The campaign finance law also provides for limitations, and in some cases absolute prohibitions, on certain sources of campaign contributions. Additionally, the way in which campaign funds may be spent is regulated by the statute as well as by regulations and guidelines established by OCPF. Finally, Chapter 55 regulates certain conduct in connection with the raising and spending of campaign funds, such as the activities of public employees, and prohibits the use of governmental resources for political purposes. OCPF has promulgated regulations (970 CMR) on contributions and expenditures, which should be consulted for more specific guidelines on these requirements.

This webpage is meant to be an introductory guide to the campaign finance law and its filing requirements for candidates to elected municipal office and the treasurers of their political committees, not a substitute for it. It is the responsibility of all those participating in political campaign financing in Massachusetts to become knowledgeable with the provisions of the Campaign Finance Law (Chapter 55) and its regulations. Please note that members of a representative town meeting are exempted from the reporting and disclosure provisions of the campaign finance law.

For additional information please contact:

Office of Campaign and Political Finance
1 Ashburton Place
Room 411
Boston, MA 02108

Phone: 617-979-8300 or 800-462-OCPF
Fax: 617-727-6549
Email: [email protected]

Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance Website

Or

Office of the Brookline Town Clerk
333 Washington St.
Room 104
Brookline, MA 02445

Phone: 617-730-2010
Fax: 617-730-2043
Email: [email protected]

Frequently Used Campaign Finance Forms and Guides

2021 Campaign Finance Deadlines

MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONAL FORMS

• CPF M101 – Candidate’s Committee (PDF)
• CPF M101 PC – Political Action Committee (PDF)
• CPF M101 BQ – Ballot Question Committee (PDF)

MUNICIPAL REPORTING FORMS

• CPF M102 – Candidates/Candidate’s Committee/Ballot Question Committee/Political Action Committee (PDF)
• Instructions (PDF)
• Itemization of Reimbursements (PDF)
• Additional Schedule A (PDF)
• Additional Schedule B (PDF)
• CPF M102-S Candidates Supplemental Form (PDF)
• CPF M102-0 – No Financial Activity (PDF)

MISCELLANEOUS FORMS

CPF MT101 – Change of Treasurer (PDF)

GUIDES

• Candidates for Municipal Office (PDF)
• Municipal Ballot Question Committee (PDF)
• Committee Treasurers (PDF)
• Public Employees, Public Resources and Political Activity (PDF)

FACT SHEETS

• Campaign Finance Disclosure (PDF)
• Annual Campaign Contribution Limits
• Common Reporting Errors (PDF)

GENERAL BY-LAW

Article 4.9 - Election Campaigns (PDF)