One Minute to Mansfield - Episode 6 - Campaign Finance

In New Jersey, the laws that govern campaign finance come from the New Jersey Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-1 et seq.) and the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 19:25-1 et seq.).
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) enforces these laws, issues forms, collects reports, and applies penalties.

Any candidate who accepts contributions or spends money on a campaign must comply with these disclosure laws, including write-in candidates.

How to Find a Candidate’s Filings

1. ELEC’s Public Search Portal
   Visit elec.nj.gov and use the “Search Reports” tool. You can search by candidate name, committee name, or municipality.

2. View Reports Directly
   ELEC allows you to open each candidate’s financial disclosure reports, showing who contributed and how funds were spent.

3. County and Municipal Offices
   Some local clerks maintain copies of campaign reports, especially for smaller or local elections.

4. Write-In Campaigns Must File Too
   Under N.J.S.A. 19:44A-9, a candidate must form a committee and file reports once they receive a contribution or make any campaign expenditure.

5. Independent Expenditures
   Any group or person that spends money to support or oppose a candidate must also file with ELEC under the Elections Transparency Act (2023) if expenditures exceed $7,500.

Required Reports and Deadlines

Under N.J.S.A. 19:44A-16, campaign treasurers must file detailed reports showing contributions and expenses.

Reports are required:

• 29 days before the election

• 11 days before the election

• 20 days after the election

Each report must include contributor names, addresses, and employers for any contributions over $200, along with all expenditures.

“Paid For By” Disclaimers

Under N.J.S.A. 19:44A-22.3, any campaign material that promotes or opposes a candidate must include a clear “Paid for by” statement.

This applies to:

• Yard signs

• Flyers and mailers

• Social media posts

• Websites and digital ads

• Any communication that asks voters to support or oppose a candidate

Each communication must clearly display the name and address of the individual or committee responsible. If it is not coordinated with a campaign, it must also say that it was not made in cooperation or consultation with any candidate.

Failing to include this disclaimer is a violation of state law. ELEC can impose penalties up to $6,000 for a first offense and $12,000 for repeat violations under N.J.S.A. 19:44A-22.

Red Flags When Reviewing Campaign Reports

When you look up candidate filings, pay attention to these warning signs:

• Missing or blank reports especially close to an election.

• Zero-dollar totals for both contributions and expenses. Real campaigns incur costs.

• In-kind contributions like donated signs or printing not disclosed on reports.

• Payments to relatives or personal businesses.

• Signs or ads missing a “Paid for by” statement.

• Late or backdated filings made just before or after a reporting deadline.

• Outside groups spending on behalf of a candidate without proper registration or disclaimers.

Why It Matters

Campaign finance transparency allows residents to see who is funding their local elections and how that money is being used.
Even a write-in campaign must play by the same rules. Every dollar, ad, or sign that supports a candidate is part of the public record.

If you suspect violations or missing reports, you can file a formal complaint with ELEC. The process is available on their website at elec.nj.gov.

Transparency is not optional. It is how voters hold candidates accountable and ensure that campaigns in Mansfield—and across New Jersey—are run honestly and fairly.