Frequently Asked Questions

"Who must file Financial Disclosure forms?"

Any contested candidate running for a New York City local office is required to file disclosure forms. Candidates running for New York State Offices must file with the New York State Board of Elections in Albany.

"Where do I file Financial Disclosure forms for city offices?"

A) file in person at the Board of Elections Front Counter of 32 Broadway 7th Floor or
B) send by mail to Board of Elections, Candidate Records Unit 32 Broadway 7th Fl. New York, NY 10004.

"Does the New York City Board of Elections accept electronic financial filings?"

No, the New York City Board of Elections does not accept electronic financial filings at this time.

"Does the Board of Elections have a Matching Funds program?"

No. If you want to apply for matching funds for your city office campaign you must contact the Campaign Finance Board.

"If I file with the Campaign Finance Board do I still have to file with the New York City Board of Elections?"

Yes, under the New York State Election Law, you are obligated to file with the New York City Board of Elections if you are contested in a City office election. However, you are not required to take part in the Campaign Finance Board's voluntary matching funds program.

"At what point can I stop filing with the New York City Board of Elections?"

You are obligated to file until you have a zero balance in your account with no outstanding loans or liabilities.

"If I don't raise or spend any money on my entire campaign, do I still have to file with the New York City Board of Elections?"

Yes, you must file in lieu of statements for the 3 due dates relating to your election event, along with samples of campaign literature or a disclaimer stating that you used no campaign literature.

"Do I have to have a committee?"

No, you don't have to have a committee, you can file as a candidate filer. A candidate who completes and files their own forms is a candidate filer.

"Can I be my own treasurer?"

Yes, you can be your own treasurer as long as you are willing to take on the responsibility.

"My treasurer has changed. What do I have to do?"

The prior treasurer must file a resignation letter and report, and the new treasurer must file an amended Treasurer & Depository form.

"When can I start raising and spending money on my campaign?"

A candidate filer has no limit as to when they can start raising and spending money. A committee, however, must first file a Treasurer & Depository and a Committee Authorization form before they can begin raising and spending money.

"What is a committee?"

If a candidate enlists the aid of one or more persons to raise and spend campaign money and complete and file financial disclosure forms, then they have a committee.

"What is a 24 Hour Notice?"

A 24 Hour notice must be filed by a committee or candidate filer when any single contribution or loan exceeding $1,000 is received after the cut-off date for the 11 Day Pre-Election filing but before Election day. This report must be filed with the Board of Elections within 24 hours by hand or by fax.

"What are the contribution limits when running for office?"

The contribution limits for city offices is calculated according to the (State Board of Elections formulas) by our legal department just prior to each election event. These calculations will be (posted here) - hypertext- for a limited time before and after each event.

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