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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.
All MUNICIPAL FORMS
Including: Organizational, Reporting and Miscellaneous forms.
Before you collect contributions...
The Form CPF M 101 in the link above should be filed with the Town Clerk as soon as the committee is organized. A political committee may not accept any contributions, make any expenditures or incur any liabilities until the treasurer qualifies for the office by completing, signing and filing Form CPF M 101 with the Office of the Town Clerk.
If you don't have a Committee...
A Form CPF M 102-0 can be used in lieu of filing a Form CPF M 102. Form CPF M 102-0 can only be signed by candidates, for a specific reporting period, who have not received any contributions, spent any money or incurred any debts and do not have a political committee organized on their behalf.
Brookline-specific financial disclosure document
The Town of Brookline's General By-Law requires candidates for Town-wide office and Ballot Question Committees to file an additional supplemental financial disclosure report with the Town Clerk fifteen (15) days prior to the Annual Town Election. This filing is in addition to the disclosure reports required under M.G.L., c. 55 - The Massachusetts Campaign Finance Law. It is filed in substantially the same format and with the same disclosure information as required in Form CPF M 102.
Pre-Election Reports (15 Days Before) - All Town-Wide Candidates, Candidate's Committees, and Ballot Question Committees
Form CPF M 102-S - Supplemental Campaign Finance Report is due on the 15th day before the Annual Town Election, complete from the day following the ending date of the last report filed through 10 days before the due date. If there is no previous report, then the reporting period should begin on the date of your first receipt, expense or in-kind contribution.
Pre-Election Reports (8 Days Before) - All Town-Wide Candidates, Candidate's Committees, Ballot Question Committees and Political Action Committees
Form CPF M 102 - Campaign Finance Report is due on the 8th day before the Annual Town Election, complete from the day following the ending date of the last report filed through 10 days before the due date. If there is no previous report, then the reporting period should begin on the date of your first receipt, expense or in-kind contribution.
Post-Election Reports (30 Days After) - All Town-Wide Candidates, Candidate's Committees, Ballot Question Committees and Political Action Committees
Form CPF M 102 - Campaign Finance Report is due on the 30th day after the Annual Town Election, complete from the day following the ending date of the last report filed through 10 days before the due date.
Year End Reports - All Town-Wide Candidates, Candidate's Committees, Ballot Question Committees and Political Action Committees
Form CPF M 102 - Campaign Finance Report is due on or before January 20 in the following year, complete from the day following the ending date of the last report filed through December 31. If there is no previous report, then the reporting period should begin on the date of your first receipt, expense or in-kind contribution in that calendar year or on January 1. A Schedule E – Disclosure of Assets Statement must be filed with this report.
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]