chapter 3
Finances/Recordkeeping One of the fundamental purposes of the Political Reform Act (Act), an initiative passed by the voters, is to ensure that receipts and expenditures in election campaigns are truthfully and fully disclosed. In order to do so, an individual that chooses to act as a committee treasurer, assistant treasurer, or principal officer must know and practice the finance and recordkeeping requirements and responsibilities discussed in this chapter. A. Committee Treasurer and Principal Officer Every committee must have a treasurer before the committee may accept contributions or make expenditures. An individual must be at a minimum 18 years of age to serve as a treasurer, assistant treasurer, responsible officer, or principal officer. In order to adequately perform the duties, the treasurer must understand the campaign finance laws and their responsibilities under the Act. The candidate controlling the committee may be the treasurer or assistant treasurer for their own committee. No individual should accept the position of a committee treasurer as a mere figurehead. Contributions may not be accepted and expenditures may not be made if the treasurer’s post is vacant at any time, even if the committee has an assistant treasurer. If the treasurer is unavailable to carry out their duties, a new treasurer must be designated and the committee’s Statement of Organization (Form 410) amended. The individual listed on the most recent Form 410 filed with the Secretary of State continues to be liable until an amendment is filed to designate a new treasurer. The committee treasurer or assistant treasurer must sign and verify all reports and statements filed. The verification is signed under penalty of perjury and indicates that:
• The signer has used all reasonable diligence in preparing the statement; and
Fair Political Practices Commission advice@fppc.ca.gov
Chapter 3.1
Campaign Manual 2 August 2023 Page 164
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