Campaign Finance


Recent statutory changes have gone into effect that have caused the campaign finance forms to be revised. Please review the documents below in their entirety before formally submitting to the Coconino County Elections Office.

It is recommended that each committee review the updated campaign finance law in the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 16, Chapter 6 (A.R.S. §§ 16-901--16-938).



Campaign Finance Forms & Guidance



What makes $1,400?
A.R.S. § 16-905 says a candidate must file a committee if they raise and spend, in any combination, more than $1,300 to run for office. This means:
1) You raise $1,400 in contributions.
2) You raise $700 and spend $700 on yard signs. 
3) You spend $700 you contributed to your campaign.
↳You contributed $700 to your committee + you spent the $700

Step 1: Statement of Organization


A Statement of Organization filing depends on what committee type you need. You must decide what type applies based on your intended actions. Our office cannot decide your committee type for you, but will ensure it is correct upon filing.


Candidate CommitteePolitical Action CommitteePolitical Party 
  •  Must pass two-part test: 
  1. Organized for the primary purpose of influencing the result of an election.
  2. Knowingly receive or spend, in any combination, at least $1,400 for any election in a calendar year, A.R.S. § 16-905(C).
  • PAC must be registered before contributing to any committee.
  • Chapter 5 of Title 16 dictates what entities qualify for Political Party status, A.R.S. § 16-905(G).                       
Statement of Organization
Statement of Organization
Statement of Organization


Step 2: Campaign Finance Report


Every committee that files a Statement of Organization must file campaign finance reports. Campaign finance reports must be filed during your committee's reporting period. 


Reports may be submitted by email, mail or in-person delivery. Reports mailed or delivered in person must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline day; however, emailed reports may be sent until the filing deadline at 11:59 p.m. 

Any reports turned in after the deadline will be charged a $10-per-day late fee that will accrue until the report is filed, A.R.S. § 16-937(B). This late fee converts to $25-per-day late fee upon being 15 days late.

We DID have financial activity this quarterWe DID NOT have financial activity this quarter
  • Any money spent or received during a calendar quarter must be disclosed on a Campaign Finance Report during the reporting period.
  • You only need submit the schedules that apply for your quarter's particular reporting.
  • Your treasurer must certify the contents on the second page are true and correct.
  • You may submit a No Activity Statement in lieu of a campaign finance report if you had no transactions during the calendar quarter.
  • The No Activity Statement is the first page of the campaign finance report.
Campaign Finance Report - PDF
No Activity Report - PDF


Step 3: Termination Statement


A committee can terminate once it becomes eligible. If not, a committee will be expected to file campaign finance reports, and potentially pay late-filing penalties, until it does terminate. 

A Termination Statement must be accompanied by a Campaign Finance Report documenting the committee has a zero balance, and may be submitted by email, mail or in-person delivery.

Requirements
  • Treasurer certifies under penalty of perjury that terms of A.R.S. have been met. This includes but is not limited to:
  1. Committee will no longer receive or spend money.
  2. Committee has no cash on hand (a zero balance) and will dispose of all surplus monies.
  3. The disposal of surplus monies and zero balance will be reported on a final Campaign Finance Report.
 Termination Statement - PDF
 Termination Statement - Word



Guidance

 Arizona Secretary of State
 Campaign Finance 		Arizona Revised Statutes
Title 16 - Chapter 6
Campaign Contributions and Expenses		Candidate Filing Information





Campaign finance laws are complex and highly technical. For a legal interpretation of campaign finance law, and to assure compliance with state law, we encourage you to consult with an attorney. The Coconino County Elections Department is not in a position to provide legal assistance or support on campaign finance law for candidates. The information on this web site is a service to the public. We have tried to ensure that the information contained in this electronic document is accurate. The Coconino County Elections Department or any division, officer, or employee of the office makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of the content on this site or on other sites to which we link. Assessing accuracy and reliability of information is the responsibility of the user. The Coconino County Elections Department shall not be responsible or liable for any loss, consequence, or damage resulting directly or indirectly from reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of the information contained herein.