You probably know that State law requires that political action committees (including those managed by our locals) are subject to reporting requirements that commence whenever the local PAC exceeds $3,000 in political receipts or disbursements within any 12-month period. The Illinois State Board of Elections recently provided us with some interpretations and clarifications concerning the reporting requirements for your local IPACE funds. These include:
- Your regular local IPACE rebate (up to $10 per member) does NOT count as a receipt in terms of the $3,000 annual threshold.
- Expenditures either in favor of, or in opposition to, a candidate for local public office (e.g. school board) OR a question of public policy (e.g. a referendum) DO count toward the $3,000 annual threshold.
- Expenditures for more general political purposes such as political education, “meet the candidates” events, etc. do NOT count toward the threshold.
If for some reason you are currently filing the State reports and, based on the above clarifications, you feel that you have never actually exceeded the $3,000 threshold, the State Board of Elections advises that you contact them as soon as possible. Do not just stop filing the forms.
Contact the Illinois State Board of Elections, your IEA lobbyist or the IEA Director of Business Services with questions.