Guidelines Set by Secretary of State for Independent Expenditures
Persons, groups of persons and political committees may support candidates covered by the Sunshine Law by making independent expenditures on their behalf. Independent expenditures may be made without limit since they do not count against the contribution limits established by Section 67-6610A, Idaho Code.
This outline defines the term independent expenditure and explains reporting and other requirements involved in making independent expenditures.
If you have any questions after reading this outline, please call the Secretary of State's office at (208)334-2852.
Reporting Requirements
Each person who makes independent expenditures in an aggregate amount exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) in support of or in opposition to any one (1) candidate, political committee or measure, shall file a statement of the expenditure with the Secretary of State.
Statements shall be filed with the Secretary of State, not less than seven (7) days prior to the primary and general election and thirty (30) days after the primary and general election.
The statement shall contain the following information: (a) the name and address of any person to whom an expenditure in excess of fifty dollars ($50.00) has been made by any such person in support of or in opposition to any such candidate or issue during the reporting period, together with the amount, date and purpose of each such expenditure; and (b) the total sum of all expenditures made in support of or in opposition to any candidate or measure.
In addition to the requirements set forth in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, each person who makes independent expenditures in an aggregate amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more after the sixteenth day before, but more than forty-eight (48) hours before, any primary or general election, shall file a written statement of the expenditure with the secretary of state not more than forty-eight (48) hours from the time of such expenditure. The statement shall include the information required in subsection (3) of this section.
Form C-7 — 48 Hour Notice of Independent Expenditures
Form C-2 — Political action committees registered with the Secretary of State's office making Independent Expenditures should identify the expenditures as independent on the C-2 Campaign Disclosure Report.