Macon County • Board of Elections • Campaign Finance

When to Organize a Candidate Committee

Each candidate who has received funds or made payments or given consent for anyone else to receive funds or transfer anything of value for the purpose of bringing about that candidates nomination or election for office is required to organize a political committee. N.C.G.S. § 163-278.7(a). Filing a notice of candidacy with a board of elections also triggers the candidates obligation to organize a political committee

Treasurer

All candidates required to organize a political committee must appoint a treasurer who resides in North Carolina. N.C.G.S. § 163-278.7(a). A candidate may serve as their own treasurer, or may appoint someone else to serve. However, a candidates spouse may not serve as treasurer. N.C.G.S. § 163-278.7(a). Every treasurer must participate in treasurer training within three months of appointment and at least once every four years thereafter. N.C.G.S. § 163-278.7(f). More information can be found at Treasurer Training.

What is a Political Committee?

Under N.C.G.S. § 163-278.6(74) , the term political committee means a combination of two or more individuals, such as any person, committee, association, organization, or other entity that makes, or accepts anything of value to make, contributions or expenditures and has one or more of the following characteristics:

• Is controlled by a candidate
• Is a political party or executive committee of a political party or is controlled by a political party or executive committee of a political party
• Is created by a corporation, business entity, insurance company, labor union, or professional association pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 163-278.19(d); or
• Has the major purpose to support or oppose the nomination or election of one or more clearly identified candidates; or
• Is an affiliated party committee