Chapter 01
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Sections: |
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3.0101 |
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3.0102 |
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3.0103 |
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3.0104 |
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3.0105 |
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3.0106 |
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3.0110 |
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3.0111 |
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3.0112 |
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3.0120 |
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3.0121 |
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3.0122 |
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3.0123 |
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3.0124 |
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3.0125 |
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3.0126 |
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IV. Organizational Reports |
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3.0130 |
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3.0131 |
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3.0132 |
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3.0133 |
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3.0134 |
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3.0135 |
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3.0140 |
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3.0141 |
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3.0142 |
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3.0143 |
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3.0144 |
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3.0150 |
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3.0151 |
Complaints initiated by a member of the public or the commission. |
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3.0152 |
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3.0153 |
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3.0154 |
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3.0155 |
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3.0156 |
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3.0157 |
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3.0160 |
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3.0161 |
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3.0162 |
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3.0170 |
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3.0171 |
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3.0172 |
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3.0173 |
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3.0174 |
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3.0175 |
The rules set out in this chapter govern procedure before the campaign spending commission and were adopted by the commission under 6.1703(b) 5 ASCA to carry out the provisions of 6.170 1 ASCA et seq., relating to election campaign contributions and expenditures as now or hereafter amended, and to provide for the efficient administration thereof. They are designed to provide a clear understanding of the standards which the commission will apply.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
(a) The rules shall be liberally construed to promote meaningful disclosure of the financial aspects of the campaign process, including the source of contributions and the manner of expenditures, .in order to promote public participation and confidence in the electoral process.
(b) Rule 1 sets forth general provisions applicable to the campaign spending commission and should be read in conjunction with special rules governing the particular proceeding described in the caption of the special rule. In any conflict between a provision in Rule 1 and a special rule, the special rule shall govern.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
As used in these rules and in proceedings brought under these rules, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(a) The terms "advertisement", "campaign treasurer", "candidate", "commission", "committee", "contribution", "election", "expenditure", "house bulletin", "news paper", "office", and "person" shall have the same meaning as set forth 6.1701 ASCA for each term.
(b) "Campaign employee" means any person who, with or without compensation, at the request of the candidate or his representative performs services related to the candidate's campaign.
(c) "Commissioner" means a member of the campaign spending commission.
(d) "Communications media" means radio and television broadcasting stations intended for direct reception by the general public, including a community antenna television system, newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising facilities of a type customarily leased to commercial advertisers, and the cost of telephones, paid telephonists, and" automatic telephone equipment used to communicate with potential voters.
(e) "Complainant" means a person who alleges in writing under oath that a violation of the law administered by the commission has occurred. He shall not be a party of record.
(f) "Defective or deficient report" means a report which is illegible, improperly filed, or a report containing omissions or mistakes which have not been corrected.
(g) "Financial depository", "campaign depository", "registered depository" and similar terms mean any corporation lawfully carrying on business in the territory as a bank, trust, investment company, savings and loan association, or similar institution organized to receive and accumulate funds and reported in accordance with 6.1706 ASCA.
(h) "Last preceding general election " means the last preceding general election, whether or not the particular office sought by the candidate appeared on the ballot and taking into consideration any intervening reapportionment.
(i) "Presiding officer" means the chairman of the commission or other person presiding at any commission meeting or hearing as determined by the commission.
(j) "Printing" includes any process ltsed to produce campaign materials such as
photo-offset, multilith, computerized letters and mailing lists, magnetic card typewriters, photocopies, etc.
(k) ,"Required report” means any report filed with the commission: in accordance with commission Rule 4, 5, and 7.
(1) "Respondent” means the person allegedly violating the law administered by the commission or any rule adopted by it.
(m) "Staff investigative attorney" means the attorney general or his attorney designee who shall investigate complaints for the commission and to present evidence in support of a complaint in a contested case.
(n) "Violation in reporting" means failure to file a required report or to"comply with a commission request to complete"or correct a deficient report.
Other terms are defined as required in special rules governing particular proceedings and shall have that meaning whenever; used or referred to in rules adopted by the commission. Words in the masculine gender signify; both masculine and feminine. Those in the singular or plural number signify both the singular and plural.
History: Rule 1-85.eff 2~May 85, §l.3.
3.0104. The commission.
(a)
Office. The offices of the commission are in the Office of the Chief, Election
Officer or other address at which the commission may be located from time to time.
Unless, otherwise specifically directed, all communication; to the commission
may be sent by mail to the Campaign Spending Commission, Pago Pago, American
Samoa, 96799, or may be hand carried to the offices, of the commission.
(b)
Hours. The offices of the commission are open from
(c)
Meetings. The commission meets and exercises its powers in any part of the
of
(d) Quorum, Three commissioners constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting the commission’s business. When a quorum is in attendance, action may be taken by the commission upon a vote of the majority of all commissioners.
(e) Action by Commissioners. The commission in the discharge of any of its duties, or the exercise of any of its powers, may act through one or more of its members, agents, or employees
designated by the commission for that purpose.
(f) Manner of Voting. An accurate record of votes and actions taken at any commission meeting shall be set forth in the minutes. Final action on adoption of rules, advisory opinions, disposition of complaints, and commission investigations shall be by roll call.
(g) Chief Election Officer. The Chief Election Officer shall have charge of the commission's official records and shall be responsible for the maintenance and custody of the files and records of the commission, including the papers, transcripts of testimony and exhibits filed in proceedings, the minutes of all actions taken by the commission, and all its rulings, advisory opinions, decisions, rules, and approved forms. The Chief Election Officer and any person acting for him under his authority or under the authority of the commission shall receive all documents required to be filed with the commission and shall promptly stamp the time and date upon papers filed with the commission.
(h) Appearance Before the Commission. All parties to a proceeding shall appear in person or by a representative before the commission, provided that an officer or regular employee may appear on behalf of an association or corporation and a general partner may appear on behalf of a partnership.
History: Rule 1-85 eff.
(a) The term "public record" means any written or printed report, book or paper, map or plan or the territory or its' respective Subdivisions and boards, which is the property thereof, and in or on which an entry has been made or is required to be made by law, or which any public, officer or emp1oyee has received or is required to receive for filing, but shall not include records which invade the right of privacy of an individual, and shall include all rules, written statements of policy, or interpretations forn1ulated, adopted, or used by the commission (not including advisory opinions prior to deletion of identifying information), all final decisions and orders, minutes of commission meetings, and any other material filed with the commission unless accorded confidential treatment under the law or the rules of the commission.
(b) Confidential Records: The request for and advisory opinion shall be treated as confidential information. Advisory opinion shall be public records after identifying information is deleted. The filing of the complaint; all investigation and' hearing material, and any probable cause hearing shall be confidential in compliance with 6.1622 ASCA unless the person complained of requests an open session.
(c) Inspection and Copies of Public Records. All public records shall be available for inspection in the commission's office as provided in 3 ASC 1989. Copies of pub1ic records will be furnished to any person upon request and upon payment of the fee of $0.25 a page.
(d) The public may obtain information on matters relating to the campaign spending commission and the law it administers by inquiring during regular business hours at the offices of the commission or by submitting a written request to the commission.
History: Rule l-85, eff
3.0106 Proceedings before the commission.
(a) Filing of Legal Documents.
(1) Place or Filing. All disclosures, complaints, requests for opinion; pleadings submittals, petitions, briefs. memoranda, and other papers required or permitted to be filed with the commission in any proceeding shall be filed with the Chief Election Officer.
(2) Service of Documents. The papers may be sent by mail or hand carried to the commission offices within the time limit, if any, for that filing.
(3) Date of Filing Documents. The date of which the papers are actually received by the commission shall be considered to be the date of filing.
(4)
Form of Documents. All papers filed with the commission shall be plainly
legible.
(5) Signature; Certificate of Truth. All papers must be
signed in permanent ink by the party or his duly authorized agent or attorney.
The signature of the person signing the document constitutes a certification
that he has read the document; that to the best of his knowledge,
information and belief, every statement contained in the instrument is true and
no statements are misleading; and that it is not interposed for delay.
(6) Number of Copies. Unless otherwise
specifically provided by a particular rule, or order of the commission only an
original of all papers shall be filed.
(7) Name, Address on Documents; The initial document
filed by any person in any proceeding shall state on the 1st page the name and
mailing address or the person or persons who maybe served with any documents
filed in the proceeding.
(b) Computation of Time.
(1) In computing any period of time prescribed or
allowed by these rules; order of the commission, or by any applicable statute,
the day of the act, event, or default, after which ,the designated period time
is to run, is not to be included. The last day of the period so computed is to
be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday, in which event the
period runs until the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday.
When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than 7 days intermediate
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are excluded in the computation. As used in
this rule, "holiday" includes any day designated by 1.0501 ASCA as
modified by 7.1205 ASCA.
(2) Whenever a party has the right or is required to do some act or take some proceedings within a prescribed period after the service of the notice or other paper upon him and the notice or paper is served upon him by mail, 2 days shall be added to the prescribed period.
(c) Continuance or Extension of Time. Whenever a party has a right or is required to take action within the period prescribed or allowed by these rules, by notice given thereunder, or by an order of the commission, or the presiding officer may (i) before the expiration of the prescribed period, with or without notice, extend the period; or (ii) upon motion, permit the act to be done after the expiration of a specified period where the failure to act is clearly shown to be excusable.
(d) Service of Process.
(1) By Whom Served. The commission shall cause to be served all orders, notices, and other papers issued by it, together with any other papers which it is required by law to serve. Answers, pleadings, and memoranda relating to complaints or hearings shall be served by the party filing them.
(2) Upon Whom Served. All papers served by either the commission or any party shall be served upon all counsel of record at the time of the filing and upon parties not represented by counselor upon their agents designated by them or by law. Counsel entering an appearance subsequent to the initiation of the proceedings shall notify all parties of that fact.
(3)
Service Upon Parties. The final opinion, decision, and any other paper required
to be served by the commission upon a party, shall be served upon the counsel
of record, if any, or the individual or his agent designated by him or by law
to receive service of such papers.
(4)
Method of Service. Service upon counsel, if any, or upon a party shall be made
by delivering a copy to him or by mailing it to him at his last known address.
Service by mail is complete upon mailing. Service by personal delivery or time
and place of delivery filed with the commission.
(e) Subpoenas.
(1)
Who May Issue. Subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses or the
production of documentary evidence from any place within the
(2) Application. Application for subpoenas shall be made in writing to the commission. The application must be reasonable in scope and specify as clearly as possible documents or data desired, and show their general relevancy.
(3) Time of Application. For production of documentary evidence or appearance of witnesses at a hearing, application for subpoenas shall be made at least 3 days prior to the hearing. If application for a subpoena is made at a later time, the commission may, in its discretion, continue the hearing or any part thereof,"
(4) Enforcement. Enforcement of obedience to subpoenas issued by the commission and served under these rules will be effected by written application of any member of the commission to any justice of the High Court.
(f) Witnesses: Fees.
(1) All witnesses shall appear in person and shall be examined under oath or affirmation.
(2)
Payment. Summoned witnesses shall be paid by the party in whose instance the
witnesses appear. The amount of payment shall be the same fee and mileage as
are paid witnesses in the courts of the
(g) Retention of Documents by the Commission. All documents filed with the or presented to the commission shall be retained in the files of the commission for the period required by law. The commission may permit the withdrawal of documents at its discretion.
(h) Consolidations. The commission, upon its own initiation or upon motion, may contemporaneously consider 2 or more proceedings which involve substantially the same parties or issues which are the same or closely related, if it finds that the consolidation or contemporaneous hearing will be conducive to the proper dispatch of its business and to the ends of justice and will not unduly delay the proceedings.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
II. CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
This rule covers the Code of Fair Campaign Practices adopted by the commission in accordance with 6.1703(b) (4) ASCA.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
3.0111 Endorsement by candidates.
(a) Copies of the code will be available from the commission at the office of the Chief Election Officer.
(b) A candidate who elects to conduct his campaign in accordance with the code may furnish the commission 2 signed copies of the code at any time on or after the day he becomes a candidate.
(c) For the duration of the campaign for which it is applicable, the commission will retain the signed copy of the code on file and check its file against the list of candidates as determined by the Chief Election Officer as provided in 6.0301(d) ASCA. If a candidate has not endorsed the code, the commission will solicit his participation.
(d)
Whether a candidate has endorsed the code will be public information available
on request from the commission office. Ten days prior to any election, the
commission shall issue a list of candidates who have not endorsed the code for
that campaign; except in the first gubernatorial election
History: Rule 1-85, eff
3.0112 Violations of the code.
Any candidate, committee, or party on behalf of a candidate, who believes that another candidate is not conducting his campaign in accordance with the code may request the help of the commission. The commission may communicate directly with both candidates in order to eliminate and correct misrepresentations, intentional or otherwise. The role of the commission will be to insure that all the facts about those charges of violations are presented to the public which in the end must judge whether there has been a violation of the code or not. A violation of this code may not be a violation of these rules or of the law.
History: Rule 1-85, eff 2 May 85, § 2.3.
The commission will issue advisory opinions.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
"Advisory opinions" are opinions on subjects which the commission determines to be of widespread interest. With identification removed, they shall be public records available in the commission office.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
3.0122 Request for advisory opinion.
(a) Who May Request. The commission will not issue advisory opinions involving current or proposed activities of someone other than the inquirer.
(b) Form: Content. All requests for advisory opinions shall be in writing and shall contain:
(1) The identity of the person requesting the opinion.
(2) A complete statement of the facts and circumstances upon which the commission is to base its opinion.
(3) The signature of the person requesting the opinion.
History: Rule I-85, eff
3.0123 Disposition of request.
(a) Any request which does
not conform to the foregoing, or where the facts presented are considered by
the commission to be inadequate for the purpose, shall be rejected.
(b) A request for an advisory opinion is
considered filed with the commission when all the information considered
necessary has been furnished.
(c) At its discretion, the
commission may refuse to issue an advisory opinion where:
(1) The issue is the subject
of pending litigation.
(2) The question is
speculative and does not involve existing facts or facts which can 'reasonably'
be expected to exist in the near future.
(3) The inquirer's current or
proposed action would not subject him to any penalty under the law or rules
administered by the commission.
(d) Within a reasonable time
after the submission of a completed request, the commission shall consider the
request and either deny it in writing, stating the commission’s reason for the
denial, or issue an advisory opinion on the matters contained in the petition.
History: Rule 1-85, err
3.0124 Hearing.
(a) Generally,
an advisory opinion will be rendered only upon facts submitted in writing. The
inquirer, however, may request a hearing in writing, stating the reason he is
making the request and may request to have persons attend with him. The commission
in its discretion may grant a hearing. The commission at any time, with notice to
the person requesting the opinion may interview persons who may have information
desired by the commission in the consideration of a request for an advisory
opinion.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
3.0125 Adoption and issuance of opinion.
(a) Except as provided in Section 3.0126, all opinions
shall be adopted at a called meeting by a majority vote of all the members of
the commission.
(b) The opinions
may be issued over the signature of any commissioner, or chairman, as authorized
by the commission.
(c) A copy of the opinion will be
delivered to the inquirer. After identifying information is deleted, a copy of each
advisory opinion will be mailed to each person or party affected.
History: Rule 1-85. eff
3.0126 Effect of advisory opinion.
(a) A later formal opinion
overrules earlier formal opinions or informal opinions with which it is
necessarily in conflict. A later
informal opinion overrules earlier formal opinions with which it is necessarily
in conflict but does not overrule an earlier formal opinion.
(b) An advisory opinion shall be
applicable only to the factual situation contained in the request or set forth
in the opinion. It shall not be
applicable to different factual situation or where additional facts not considered
in the opinion exist.
(c) An advisory opinion, until amended
or revoked, is binding on the commission in any subsequent proceedings concerning
the inquirer who sought the opinion and acted in reliance on it in good faith,
unless material facts were omitted or misstated by the inquirer in the request
for an advisory opinion.
History: Rule 1-85. eff
IV. ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTS
3.0130 Scope.
The rule covers the general
procedure for filing organizational reports to meet the requirements of 17 ASC
1605-06.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
3.0131 Organizational reports.
(a) Who Must File. Each candidate, authorized person in the case
of a party, or campaign treasurer who is authorized to sign the organizational report
in the case of' a committee shall register with the commission in accordance
with 6.1605 ASCA by filing an organizational report for each and every election
or office sought, or both.
(b) Form; Filing; Time; Copies. The organizational report shall be filed with
the commission in duplicate on a form furnished by the commission at the time
set forth in 6.1605 ASCA. However, when an
expenditure is made, incurred, or authorized by a person or contributions in an
aggregate amount of more than $100 are accepted prior to 1 July of the year the
person runs for election, an organizational report must' be filed within 10
days after 1 July of that year if not previously filed.
(c) Contents: The report shall include:
(1) The information required by
6.1706 ASCA.
(2) A statement of whether the committee
is a continuing one.
(3) If the committee is organized
independently of any candidate, a statement of the expected relationship to the
candidate and other committees directly associated with the candidate.
(4) Any other information as
required by the commission from time to time.
(5) The signature of the person
authorized to sign the report for a party or committee. All reports filed by a committee with a campaign
treasurer named by a candidate shall also be signed by the candidate.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
3.0132 Changes in information.
(a) Any change in information previously
submitted in an organizational report shall be reported to the commission
within 10 days following the date of the change and shall be signed and sworn
to in the same manner as the original filing.
(b) If the change to be reported
is minor, for example, only a change in the name of the campaign chairman or a
deputy treasurer, it may be reported by letter. The notification must identify the
organizational report to be corrected, the old information to be removed, and
the new information to be recorded. If
the changes are extensive, revised organizational report forms shall be filed.
History: Rule l-85, eff
3.0133 Discontinuance of registration.
Any candidate who ceases to be a
candidate after filing 1 or more organizational report forms with the
commission or any committee or party which discontinues or determines that it
will no longer receive contributions or make expenditures reportable to the
commission shall so notify the commission, The notification shall include a
statement as to the disposition of residual funds if the candidate, committee,
or party is discontinuing.
History: Rule 1-85,eff
3.0134 Identification number.
Upon receipt of an
organizational report, the commission shall acknowledge receipt thereof and
notify the candidate, committee, or party filing the
report of the number assigned. The identification number shall be assigned
after the last day for the filing of nomination papers and shall be entered by
the candidate, committee, or party on all subsequent reports or statements
filed with the commission under the act, as well as. on all communications
concerning those reports or statements.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
(a) An organization or association established and operated exclusively for the purpose of influencing the outcome of ballot issues or the nomination and election of individuals to public office is required to file an organizational report. An organization or association established and operated for other purposes, but which also makes or receives contributions or makes expenditures, or both, to influence the outcome of ballot issues or the nomination and election of individuals to public office is also required to file an organizational report. The report shall cover those activities engaged in for the purpose of influencing the nomination and election of individuals to public office or influencing the outcome of any question or issue on the ballot or sought to be placed on the ballot at the next applicable election.
(b) A t the time of filing the organizational report a committee organized without the direct participation of the candidate shall certify to the commission whether or not it has on file the candidate's authorization or consent to accept contributions, raise or hold funds or anything of value.
(c) No contribution and no expenditure shall be accepted or made by or on behalf of a committee at a time when there is a vacancy in both the office of the chairman and the campaign treasurer.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
This rule covers the general procedure relating to records to be maintained and reports to be supplied to meet the requirements of 6.1718-6.1719 ASCA.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
(a) Who Must File. Each candidate who expends his own funds, authorized person in the case of a party, or campaign treasurer in the case of a committee shall file a preliminary report.
(b) Form; Filing; Time; Copies. The report shall be filed on a form furnished by the commission. The report shall be filed in duplicate with the commission on the earlier of:
(1) the 10th calendar day preceding each election or
(2) the last working day prior to the 10th calendar day.
(c) Content. The report shall include:
(1) The information required by 6.1718 ASCA and additional information as the commission may reasonably require as reflected in the campaign financing report forms adopted by the commission from time to time.
(2) A description of any adjustments or other explanatory information relevant to the contributions and expenditures reported.
(3) The signature of the person authorized to sign the report by a party or committee. All reports filed by a committee with a campaign treasurer named by a candidate shall also be signed by the candidate.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
(a) It is the responsibility of each candidate to maintain accurate and complete current records of contributions and expenditures by him or on his behalf. The manner of maintaining such records is the choice of each candidate, but records should be maintained in sufficient detail to substantiate any challenge to the summary information reported to the commission in required reports.
(1) The candidate shall require that any person accepting contributions on his behalf keep a record of the source of such contributions, including ticket sales. Any unidentified ticket sales and. calabash collections at coffee hours. and other functions .are to be treated as anonymous contributions unless obtained through multiple contributions made by 10 or more persons at the same event aggregating less than $250 (6.1711(e) ASCA). Each of these aggregate contributions shall be reported accompanied by a description of the means, method, place, and date of receipt. Any person contributing more than $100 in the aggregate to anyone candidate by way of the cash collection provided for in this rule, in order to remain anonymous, or in order to evade the recordation and reporting of contributions in excess of $ 100 in the aggregate for any 1 candidate, or both, is subject to prosecution as provided under 6.1722- 6.1724 ASCA. Any person contributing money, cash or any valuable consideration of another person to any candidate by way of the cash collection provided for in this rule, with the intent to keep the name of such contributor anonymous or in order to evade the recordation and reporting of contributions in excess of $100 in the aggregate for any 1 candidate, or both, is subject to prosecution under 6.1722 -6.1724 ASCA. No candidate, committee, or party may accept a contribution in excess of $100 by way of the cash collection provided for in this rule without recording the name and address of that contributor.
(2) If several contributions of less than $100 are received from a contributor, the amounts should be totaled and the contributor's name and address and other required information should be reported when the cash and non- monetary contributions aggregate more than $100.
(3) The purpose of the contributions report is to disclose the source of funding. Therefore, the name of the contributor should be the name usually used for business purposes and the address should be his usual address where he may be found. A business address should be identified by the full name of the contributor's business if he is self-employed or of the contributor's employer. If any of the identifying items change from 1 July through the day of any election, the name and address previously used should be shown in any subsequent entry as well as the new information.
(4) A record of all cash contributions which exceed $100 shall be kept by the candidate, committee, or party which shall also issue a receipt to the donor.
(5) Contributions received by a committee or party on the condition that the funds be contributed to or expended only on certain candidates, issues, or questions are "earmarked funds". Each committee or party receiving these funds shall disclose the original source, ultimate recipient, and the fact that the funds are "earmarked".
(b) Reports by candidates, political committees, and parties must be cumulative and cover the period from the closing date of the previous report filed. An ongoing committee must continue reporting its debts and obligations until extinguished.
(c)
The reports due on the 10th day before an election must be complete as of
(d) For reporting purposes, an expenditure is considered to be made or incurred at the time of delivery of the products, goods, or services. Where products, goods, or services are delivered for use during the election year, the expense shall be reported during the period or periods of use.
(e) Promises to make contributions need not be reported in advance of actual payment unless they are made in writing and exceed the amount of $100.
(f) Donations by candidates to community organizations or youth, recreation, or social groups shall be presumed to be campaign expenditures for reporting purposes if donated during the election year. This resumption may be rebutted by clear evidence showing otherwise.
(g) Advances made by a candidate, committee, or party to provide ready cash to someone for the performance of a political campaign function can be treated as a regular expenditure. Adjustments may be made to the expenditure accounts if warranted when the accounting is made of the use of the advanced funds.
(h) The dollar value of nonmonetary contributions should be deteffi1ined by the contributor. It may be:
(1) the fair market value of the item if it were to be purchased or sold;
(2) the cost of the item to the contributor; or
(3) the contributor's estimated value of the item if, due to extraordinary circumstances neither (1) nor (2) above would be appropriate. Any valuation other than fair market value should discount the value of the contributor's own time and labor if voluntarily given. In the event of a challenge, the burden of proof will be on the contributor to substantiate and justify the use of any valuation of nonmonetary contributions other than fair market value or his cost. The candidate, committee or party receiving the contribution, however, should question the value of an item if it appears unreasonably low. Nonmonetary contributions should be appropriately labeled and must be reported on the schedule of contributions in the same manner as cash contributions.
(i) The dollar value of nonmonetary contributions received by a candidate or political committee must be reported on the schedule of expenditures in the same manner as cash expenditures. The valuation of an item for reporting expenditures must be the same valuation assigned to it on the contributions schedule.
(j) An expenditure authorized by a candidate, his authorized representative, or a campaign treasurer named by the candidate shall be attributed to the candidate for reporting purposes. A party or committee organized without the direct participation of a candidate shall maintain complete records of transactions made in behalf of a candidate, including the candidate's authorization of consent to the expenditure.
(k) In no event shall the costs of preparing, printing, and circulating house bulletins as defined in 6.1701 (i) ASCA give rise to a reporting requirement on the part of any person sponsoring the communication or those person receiving the benefits of the publication. However, the definition of "house bulletin" shall be construed narrowly by the commission to exclude special edition publications out of the ordinary publishing cycle and communications for general distribution to the public. The exemption shall be construed to favor intra- organization communications of whatever nature.
(l) Each candidate, campaign treasurer of a committee and any other person who is required to report expenditures shall maintain records for at least 1 year after the filing deadline for each report on the matters required to be reported including vouchers, worksheets, and receipts which will provide in sufficient detail the necessary infoffi1ation and data from which the reports and statements may be verified, explained, or clarified, and checked for accuracy and completeness.
(m) Any apportionment of expenditures may be made by the candidate or committee or other person making the expenditure as a part of the reports required under 19 ASC 1618-19. The method of apportionment or the amount attributable to any candidate shall be agreed upon by the candidate involved in advance of the use. The reasonableness of any apportionment or allocation formula may be challenged by the commission or by any candidate.
(n) Each authorization by a candidate to another person or persons to raise funds or to make expenditures on behalf of the candidate shall state the name, address, and organizational affiliation of each authorized individual the , name of the candidate, the office sought and the election involved, and any limitation or restriction imposed, and it shall be signed and , dated by the candidate.
(o) All disbursements and uses of campaign funds and political contributions authorized by any candidate, committee, or party will be considered to be for the election next following the period in which the expenditure is reportable to the commission unless the person filing the required report hereunder furnishes information to justify an allocation to a later date.
(p) Legislative Newsletter, Reports, Surveys, and Polls.
(1) Payment of costs incurred in the preparation, publication, and distribution of reports (i.e., legislative newsletters, reports, surveys, or polls) which influence the nomination for election, or election, to office of any candidate shall be considered an expenditure required to be reported under 6.1718-6.1719 ASCA unless specifically excepted hereafter.
(A) Use of campaign funds to pay for costs of such reports, surveys, or polls are always reportable expenditures.
(B) Use of personal funds or funds other than contributed funds for costs of such reports, surveys, or polls are considered reportable expenditures if:
(i) expended by a person found to be a candidate as defined at 6.1701(c) ASCA; or,
(ii) expended by any committee as defined at 6.1701(e) ASCA.
(2) The payment of costs for the following reports, surveys, or polls are specifically excepted as reportable expenditures:
(A) Reports, surveys, or polls of independent organizations not affiliated with any candidate and who have not received or expended any money in behalf of any candidate, whether with or without the authorization of the candidate, and whose report, survey, or poll is either available to all candidates as well as the general public or is confidential and not distributed or publicized at any time prior to an election in which the report, survey, or poll would have an influence.
(B) Reports, surveys, or polls required by law to be made by any governmental agency and for which funds have been appropriated by law.
(C) Reports, surveys, or polls of incumbent officeholders, not candidates, who pay for costs of publication and distribution from funds which have been specifically appropriated by law.
(D) Reports, surveys, or polls of any news reporting agencies or communications media who have neither received nor contributed any monies in behalf of any candidate.
(3) The exceptions before stated may be disallowed and found to be reportable expenditures where the report, survey, or poll directly identifies a person who is a candidate, advocates or supports his nomination for election, or election, or defeat, or is published within 90 days prior to any election day.
(q) No person or committee authorized by the person to receive contributions or make expenditures shall hold more than 1 testimonial affair, as defined in 6.1713(a) ASCA between elections unless that person seeks election to territory wide office or shows a deficit on his last final report filed with the commission under 6.1719 ASCA. In the former case, a person or his authorized committee may hold up to 1 testimonial affair in each county. In the latter case, only 1 testimonial may be held and it must be held before the end of May in the year following the election. Testimonial affairs sponsored by a party for apolitical purpose for the general benefit of the party are exempt from the limits of this rule.
(r) There shall be a limit on the number of functions designed to raise funds for political purposes for which the total cost of attending is $ 15 a person or less of 2 functions in each representative district.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
(a) Who Must File. Any person who has filed a preliminary report shall file a final report.
(b) Time. The final report for a candidate, question, or issue on the general, special, or run-off election ballot shall be filed on or before the 20th calendar day after the general election. The final general report shall contain all information detailed in 6.1719(a) ASCA from the day after the closing date of the applicable preliminary general report through the day of the general, special, or runoff election.
(c) Form; Filing; Copies. The final report shall be filed in duplicate with the commission on a form furnished by the commission.
(d) Content. The report shall include:
(1) The information required by 6.1719 ASCA and additional information as the commission may reasonably require as reflected in the campaign financing report forms adopted by the commission from time to time.
(2) A description of any adjustments or other explanatory information relevant to the contributions and expenditures reported.
(3) The signature of the person authorized to sign the report by a party or committee. All reports filed by a committee with a campaign treasurer named by a candidate shall also be signed by the candidate.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
(a) Unless the commission is requested to terminate a registration, as provided in Rule 4 relating to organizational reports, a candidate is required to file supplemental reports. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "candidate" includes an elected official.
(b)
Filing Dates. Reports are due every 3 months in the event of a deficit and
every 6 months in the event of a surplus. Reports filed on the 5th of the month
as shown below must be completed as of
(1) Supplemental reports for all candidates, committees, and parties must be filed on or before the 5th day of:
|
Deficit |
Surplus |
|
January |
January |
|
April |
July |
|
July |
January |
|
October |
|
|
January |
|
(2) Supplemental reports following the final report filed after a special election or special general election, in the event of a deficit shall be filed every 3 months subsequent to the previous report. In the event of a surplus, filings are required every 6 months after the final report.
(c) Form; Filing; Copies; Content. The supplemental reports shall follow the form, filing requirements where applicable, number of copies, and content of Section 3.0143.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
VI. PROCEDURES RELATING TO COMPLAINTS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND
HEARINGS CONCERNING ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF 19 ASC 1601-24
This rule covers the general procedure relating to complaints, investigations, and hearings with respect to alleged violations of the election campaign contributions and expenditures law as reflected in 6. 1701 - 6.1724 ASCA and in the rules administered by the commission.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
3.0151 Complaints initiated by a member of the public or the commission.
(a) Any person who believes a violation of the law administered by the commission has occurred may file a complaint in person or by mail with the commission. Complaints may be initiated by the commission under the signature of a commissioner. Information concerning the filing or status of a complaint shall be treated as confidential by the complainant, the respondent, and the commission and its staff.
(b) Form; Time. There is no prescribed form for a complaint, but it shall be legible and signed.
(c) Contents. The complaint may be simply worded bu t shall specify:
(1) The identity of the party complaining and, if the complaint is made by an organization on behalf of a candidate, the organization shall allege that it has the right to represent the candidate.
(2) The particular ground(s) upon which the complaint is based, the specific issues involved, the name and public position of the respondent, the contentions of the complainant, and a description of the evidence he intends to introduce in support of those contentions.
(3) A clear and concise statement of any other relevant facts.
(4) The action requested .
(5) The complaint shall be signed by the person making the complaint, under oath, taken before any person authorized by law to administer oaths.
(d) Upon receipt of a document which does not comply with the requirements of subsection c of this section or which does not in form or substance constitute a complaint, the commission shall notify the person signing the document and the respondent of the insufficiency.
(e) After receipt of a complaint, the commission may:
(1) Cause an investigation to be made of the allegations of the complaint;
(2) Dismiss the complaint on the grounds that the complaint fails to state a violation as a matter of law or that the allegations alleged are contrary to information known to the commission;
(3) Dismiss the complaint on the grounds that the allegations are not substantiated by the investigation caused by the commission; or
(4) Issue a notice of hearing on the complaint, which shall specify the time, place, and date of the hearing and the alleged violation. For the purposes of notice, all persons registered with the commission including candidates, committees, and parties, are required to inform the commission in writing of their current residence' address immediately after any change thereof. The person's most recent current address shall constitute the place of personal service upon the person by the commission of any complaint, notice of hearing, or notice of other proceedings pertaining to the person's campaign activities. Where a person registered with the commission elects to supply the commission with a mail or post office address in lieu of his residence, then in that event that person is considered to have elected to receive all communications and personal service through the United States mails and to have thereby chosen the United States Postal Service as his agent for service of process, so that service of a complaint or other notice of proceedings shall be effective on that' person upon the depositing of the complaint or communication in the United States mails with first-class postage pre-paid thereon. The respondent shall appear before the commission at the time and place specified in the notice of hearing. If the respondent desires to file an answer to the complaint, he shall file the original and 9 copies thereof with the commission before the time of hearing.
History: Rule 1-85. eff
3.0152 Amendment of complaint.
Any complainant may amend the complaint at the discretion of the commission at any time prior to the issuance of the final order based thereon.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
3.0153 Withdrawal of complaint.
The complainant may withdraw the complainant any time with the permission of the commission.
History: Rule 1-85, eff
(a) The commission may order the staff investigative attorney or any other person