Frequently Asked Questions
I want to run for office. Where should I start?
Learn the basics of candidate committees and reporting here. The NCSBE Campaign Finance Manual has information for all types of committees.
We also recommend taking the mandatory compliance training (treasurer training) to learn all of the campaign finance rules.
Who needs to take treasurer training?
Campaign finance compliance training is required for the treasurer of any committee, but it is also the main venue for learning about what is accepted and prohibited for a campaign. It is recommended that candidates attend training, regardless of whether or not they appoint a treasurer, as well as anyone who will be handling campaign transactions. All treasurers must attend training within 3 months of appointment, and once every 4 years thereafter, even if they are not planning to spend or receive campaign funds.
Candidates, treasurers, and assistant treasurers who do not take mandatory compliance training (treasurer training) are not authorized to sign campaign finance reports.
Is training available online?
Yes, follow this link and read the instructions to sign up for treasurer training.
Who can and cannot be my treasurer?
The candidate may be their own treasurer. The treasurer may not be the candidate's spouse, anyone under the age of 18, or a non-resident of North Carolina. It is preferred that the person have previous experience in finance or campaign finance.
A treasurer must be appointed within 10 days of organizing a committee. If there is a change to the committee's treasurer, a new Statement of Organization must be submitted within 10 days.
When should I open a committee?
Within 10 days of opening a bank account, accepting or spending money in support of your candidacy, announcing your candidacy publicly, or filing either a notice of candidacy or Statement of Organization at the Board of Elections office.
What forms will I need to open a committee?
Print the forms in the Statement of Organization Packet. If you are a county or municipal level candidate, submit campaign finance paperwork to the County Board of Elections. If you do not certify under the $1,000 threshold on the Certification of Threshold (Form CRO-3600), you must also submit an Organizational Disclosure Report within 10 days of the date organized. You must submit original forms with “wet-ink” signatures.
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Mailing Address: P.O. Box 695, Raleigh, NC 27602
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Physical Address: 1200 N New Hope Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610
State and Federal level candidates can find more information here.
Am I required to file my reports electronically?
NCGS 163-278.9(i) requires any committee with a cumulative total of more than $10,000 in contributions, loans, or expenditures during an election cycle to file reports electronically.
- E-filing is recommended for all committees.
- Free e-filing software is available for download from the State Board of Elections' website. The software is compatible with Windows operating systems. Using another operating system does not exempt a committee from the electronic filing requirement if the $10,000 threshold is reached.
- Candidates for statewide office, and other committees making contributions, expenditures, or independent expenditures that affect contests for statewide office, have a $5,000 threshold for e-filing.
I want to file a campaign finance complaint. Where should I start?
All campaign finance complaints must be filed with the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Read the instructions and find a PDF complaint form here.