A Guide To New York City Campaign Finance Board Compliance
Unions and their political action committees are some of the largest donors to political campaigns in New York City. The city also has some of the most stringent regulations in the state governing campaign finance rules. As a legal representative and champion of labor for more than 40 years, the attorneys of Pitta LLP are well-versed in campaign finance law.
Our legal success in this area is due in part to our firm’s close affiliation with Bishop & Del Giorno LLC, a government relations/consulting firm that provides a variety of services related to lobbying and legislative representation, including compliance with election finance regulations.
Rules For Independent Spenders In City Elections
The New York City Campaign Finance Board defines an “independent spender” as an individual or organization that is unaffiliated with a candidate for political office. There are no limits to the amount of money that can be raised or spent by an independent spender; however, the board places numerous restrictions on the relationship between a candidate and independent spenders.
Some of the regulations that the finance board attorney will check include:
- If the candidate and the spender have unlawfully coordinated on the contribution from the independent spender
- If ads and other forms of communication funded by an independent spender comply with the board’s rules on the use of express advocacy and electioneering language
- If the organizational spender followed the reporting guidelines for contributions over a certain dollar amount, as described by the board’s independent expenditures guide
Do Not Guess Your Way Through New York City’s Campaign Finance Board Compliance
Show support to union-friendly candidates for city office the right way. Our lawyers are responsive and provide frank, trustworthy counsel if you are considering supporting a local campaign. We have two offices in New York City itself (Manhattan), as well as one in Albany. To discuss a campaign finance issue, call us at 212-652-3890, or email our office.
