Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Contributions to Committees & Candidates in Idaho

DUTIES OF A POLITICAL TREASURER

What are the duties of a Political Treasurer?

These are the key responsibilities to being a Political Treasurer.

a) Keep detailed accounts, current within not more than seven days after the date of receiving a contribution or making an expenditure.

b) Keep a detailed record of accounts for at least one year after the date of the election or filing of the last Campaign Financial Disclosure Report, whichever is later.

c) File the required Campaign Financial Disclosure Reports on time while reporting all required information. Campaign Finance Reporting Dates

d) Obtain the full name and complete address of any individual or organization which has made a contribution. Only those contributing more than $50 during a calendar year must be itemized on the Campaign Financial Disclosure Report.

e) Transmit any anonymous contribution of more than $50 to the State Controller for deposit in the public school fund.

f) Obtain a receipt, canceled check or an accurate copy thereof for an expenditure of $25 or more.

g) Clearly indicate on all public political advertising the person responsible for such communications. For example: Print “Paid for by Candidate X for Senate, John Doe Political Treasurer” on all printed materials.

Secretary of State Administrative Rule
Items Exempt From Advertising Regulation
Campaign buttons, bumper stickers, pins, pens and similar small items upon which a disclaimer cannot be conveniently printed are not deemed to be regulated by the provisions of Section 67-6614A, Idaho Code.

h) Notify the Secretary of State, in writing (fax accepted), of:

1. Any contribution of $1,000 or more received after the 16th day, but more than 48 hours before any Primary or General Election. This notification shall be made within 48 hours after the receipt of such contribution.
2. Any Independent Expenditures.
3. Any Electioneering Communication.

Who must appoint and certify a Political Treasurer?
All Candidates for state offices
All Political Committees

When must the Political Treasurer be appointed and certified?
A Political Treasurer must be appointed and certified prior to any of the following occurring:
a) Receiving any contributions,
b) Spending any funds,
c) Announcing candidacy for state office, or
d) Becoming a Political Committee.

What are the requirements for serving as a Political Treasurer?
The only requirement for serving as a Political Treasurer is that the individual must be registered to vote in the state of Idaho.

Can a Candidate serve as his or her own Political Treasurer?
Yes, a Candidate may serve as his or her own Political Treasurer. However, it is recommended that the Candidate keep campaign funds separate from personal funds (i.e. separate bank accounts).

Can an individual serve as a Political Treasurer for more than one Candidate and/or Political Committee?
Yes, an individual may serve as the Political Treasurer for more than one Candidate and/or Political Committee. However, they need to keep separate records and accounts for each Candidate and/or Political Committee.

How do you appoint and certify a Political Treasurer?
To appoint and certify a Political Treasurer, the Appointment and Certification of Political Treasurer (C-1) form must be completed and filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.
a) For a Candidate, this form must be signed by both the Candidate and the Political Treasurer.
b) For a Political Committee, this form must be signed by both the Chairman of the Political Committee and the Political Treasurer.

Where can the Appointment and Certification of a Political Treasurer (C-1) be found?
This form can be received several ways. It can be:
a) Downloaded from the Secretary of State website as either a printable or fillable pdf file; or
b) Requested by contacting the Elections Division in the Secretary of State’s Office at: Phone: (208) 334-2852; Fax: (208) 334-2282; Email: elections@sos.idaho.gov

What happens if a Political Treasurer resigns, is removed or dies?
The Candidate or the Chairman of the Political Committee must appoint and certify a new Political Treasurer by completing and submitting a new Appointment and Certification of Political Treasurer (C-1) form to the Secretary of State’s Office. Contributions may not be received and expenditures may not be made until a new Political Treasurer is appointed and certified.