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JULY 2024

ALL CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS 

Ballots are set. Now what?


Candidates and the 2024 Election

About 400 candidates will appear on the primary or general election ballots this fall.


We have an OCPF "Top 10 List," available here, for candidates to review. As the election approaches, candidates should also keep in mind:


  1. E-file a deposit report after each deposit made at the bank, to disclose donor information. Best practice: file the report within three days of deposit.
  2. Make expenditures by committee check or committee debit card so the bank can disclose how money is spent.
  3. Provide detailed information about the purpose of each expenditure, such as "food and drinks for neighborhood meet and greet" rather than general descriptions like "food and drink."
  4. Clarify the purpose of each debit card expenditure using the red tile on Reporter 7, OCPF's e-filing software. Guide.
  5. During the 17 days before an election, candidates file deposit reports within three days (we call these "late contributions"). The late contribution requirement also includes in-kind contributions. Click here for the statutory thresholds.

You've probably seen the ballot question commercials


Soon, see how they were funded

OCPF is in the process of identifying statewide ballot question committees that are required to file their first 2024 campaign finance disclosure reports by Sept. 6.


When the reports are filed, the public will have access to the contribution and expenditure data for the first eight months of 2024.


Committees that are active for this year's slate of questions need to file campaign finance reports by:


Sept. 6 / Sept. 20 / Oct. 7

Oct. 21 / Nov. 5 / Nov. 20


Click here for the ballot question disclosure page, which will be updated soon for 2024.

TOP FUNDRAISERS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE

OCPF LEGAL

Every Dollar

It may be cumbersome, but it is a requirement. Every committee must keep and preserve detailed accounts of all contributions received, as the campaign finance law states - “regardless of the amount.” This is for all contributions, whether money or in-kind, and includes small cash contributions and proceeds from merchandise sales. The record should include the name and address of the contributor, the date the contribution was received, and the amount of each contribution received. 

Transitions


Two long-time employees retire:


Margaret Muise began her career in 1981 when she was hired as a clerk by the agency’s second Director, Charles Doherty. Over the years, and in recognition of her many contributions and knowledge, Margaret rose to the position of Chief Financial Officer. During her 43-year tenure, she served under five directors.


Anne Bourque retired as Senior Auditor after 20 years of service. Coming from the banking industry, she was thorough in her review of accounts and was always available to answer campaign finance questions for candidates and political committees. Anne also served as the agency’s bank liaison.


OCPF welcomes new staff:


Brittany Johnson joined OCPF as Chief Financial Officer in July. She brings with her significant finance and management experience having served for a decade in the banking industry, including the role of Branch Manager at Santander Bank and Digital Federal Credit Union. Brittany will coordinate the day-to-day operations of the office, including financial management, overseeing the agency budget, and ensuring human resources compliance.


Sarabeth McClain joined OCPF as an Auditor/Analyst in May. She most recently worked as an Economic Research Assistant for the FDIC in Washington, DC. Sarabeth is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island. Nicholas Tormey joined OCPF as an Auditor/Analyst in June. He is a recent graduate of Holy Cross. During his studies, he served as a campaign finance intern for a firm in Washington, DC. Both Sarabeth and Nick will perform audits and analysis of reports to ensure compliance and provide guidance to candidates in meeting the campaign finance requirements.

www.ocpf.us

617-979-8300

OCPF@mass.gov

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