Campaign Finance FAQs
Q: What is an Ohio Political Action Committee (PAC)?
A: An Ohio Political Action Committee (PAC) is a combination of two or more persons, the primary or major purpose of which is to influence the result of any election. A PAC does not include candidate committees, legislative campaign funds, political parties, political contributing entities (PCEs) or political clubs.
A: A Political Contributing Entity (PCE) is a labor organization that may lawfully make contributions and expenditures.
A: A ballot issue committee is a political action committee that is organized to support or oppose a proposed or certified ballot issue or question. This type of committee is often referred to as a ballot issue PAC.
Q: What should an Ohio PAC, PCE, or Ballot Issue Committee do first?
A: Prior to receiving a contribution or making an expenditure, an Ohio PAC, PCE, or ballot issue committee must appoint a treasurer and file a designation of that appointment with the Ohio Secretary of State or applicable board of elections.
A: Where reports are filed is based on the PAC’s activity. Generally, if PACs spend more than half of their money in the four-year election cycle at the county or local level, then the PAC must file reports with the county board of elections. If a PAC spends half or more of its money in the four-year election cycle supporting or opposing candidates for the state legislature, state or national political parties or statewide ballot issues, then the PAC files with the secretary of state.
A: PAC reports are due based on the nature and timing of the activity in which the PAC engages. The reporting clock begins based upon the PAC activity. All reports must be physically received by the secretary of state or county board of elections in order to be considered timely filed. A report postmarked, but not received by the deadline, is a late filing and the PAC must be referred to the Ohio Elections Commission.
Q: What is a Political Club?
A: A political club is an organization excluded from the definition of a political action committee and is formed primarily for social purposes and that consists of 100 members or less, has officers and periodic meetings, has less than $2,500 in its treasury at all times, and makes an aggregate total contribution of $1,000 or less per calendar year.
Q: Does a Political Club Have Registration and Reporting Requirements?
A: No. A political club does not have to register and file reports.
Q: Who May Give a Contribution to a PAC, PCE, or Ballot Issue Committee?
A: Persons seven years of age and older, PACs, PCEs, partnerships, unincorporated associations, county parties, state parties, and campaign committees may give a contribution to a PAC or PCE.
Persons seven years of age and older, PACs, PCEs, ballot issue committees, partnerships, unincorporated associations, county parties, state parties, campaign committees, corporations, and labor organizations may give a contribution to a ballot issue committee.
Foreign governments, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships, individuals with foreign citizenship, and immigrants without a green card are prohibited from making contributions.
Q: Can a Corporation or Labor Organization Sponsor an Ohio PAC?
A: Yes. A corporation or labor organization may sponsor an Ohio PAC. Sponsorship permits the corporation or labor organization to pay certain establishment, administrative, and solicitation expenses on behalf of the sponsored PAC. Examples of these expenses include attorney fees and computer, copying, and bookkeeping costs.
The corporation or labor organization is also permitted to pay certain costs related to the solicitation of contributions for the sponsored PAC. These expenses must be paid directly by the corporation or labor organization or be paid into a separate administrative account set up by the PAC. The sponsor may not reimburse the PAC for these expenses.
Q: Do PACs, PCEs, or Ballot Issue Committees Have Contribution Limits?
A: PACs and PCEs are subject to contribution limits; however, ballot issue committees are not. The contribution amounts that PACs and PCEs can contribute or accept depend on the individual or entity making or accepting the contribution.