City of San Bernardino Candidate Information Guide

H. Three candidates wish to conduct individual polls. A polling firm has offered a reduced rate because all three polls can be combined using one very large sample. Are the candidates receiving contributions from the polling firm because of the discounted fee, and are the candidates making contributions to each other? To the extent each candidate pays only their share of the cost of the poll, the candidates are not making contributions to each other. Additionally, if the polling firm provides the discount as part of its standard business policy of providing discounts in similar situations and does not provide the discount for political purposes, the candidates will not receive a contribution from the polling firm. I. A committee receives a contribution from a joint checking account signed by one of the individuals. The contribution exceeds local limits. If the committee later receives a document stating that the contribution is from both individuals, may the contribution be reported that way? No. A document must accompany the contribution at the time the contribution is received in order for the contribution to be reported from both individuals. This is true for contributions made by check or electronic means. J. If a potential donor takes me out to dinner to discuss my school board campaign and pays for my meal, do I report the meal as a nonmonetary contribution?

No. Because there is a personal benefit to you, the payment for the meal would be considered a gift to you, not a contribution.

Fair Political Practices Commission advice@fppc.ca.gov

Chapter 4.30

Campaign Manual 2 August 2023 Page 218

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