Checklist

Compliance Basics for First-Time Candidates

Open a bank account, designate a treasurer, and track contributions correctly — checklists by phase.

Compliance isn't exciting, but one missed deadline or commingled dollar can cost you the race. Start right, stay consistent, and you'll never have a compliance problem.

Before You Launch

Pre-Launch Checklist

Pick a campaign name — use the same name across your bank account, website, and official filings.
Designate a treasurer and set up read-only access for advisors.
Check your jurisdiction's filing requirements: most require filing a statement of candidacy before you raise or spend money.
Understand your contribution limits: check your state/local rules for per-donor maximums.

Banking & Records

Banking Setup

Open a separate campaign bank account — no commingling with personal funds, ever.
Use contribution forms that capture: name, address, employer, and occupation.
Issue receipts automatically for every donation.
Log every deposit within 48 hours of receipt.
Keep digital copies of all checks and deposit records.

Reporting

Know your filing schedule — primary and general reports usually have different deadlines.
Put all due dates on a shared calendar immediately.
Reconcile your bank statement and your donor database weekly.
Pre-election reports often have shorter windows — check your state rules carefully.

Prohibited Sources

Check your jurisdiction for corporate contribution restrictions.
Know the cash contribution limit (often $100 for federal, varies for state/local).
Verify lobbyist contribution rules for your race.
Never accept contributions from foreign nationals.

Data Retention

Store digital copies of all receipts and deposit records.
Backup your donor database monthly.
Keep records for the period required by your jurisdiction (often 3–5 years after the election).

Get Help

If your budget allows, spend an hour with a campaign compliance professional in your state before you launch. The cost is worth it. If you can't, keep your processes minimal and consistent — the worst compliance problems come from disorganized record-keeping, not from intentional violations.

Need something tailored to your race?

Your Campaign Coach can adapt any of these frameworks to your specific district, timeline, and budget.

Ask your Coach