Individuals and businesses that do not have a political action committee who make purchases for a political purpose must submit an independent expenditure report within 48 hours to the Office of the Secretary of State. A political purpose includes any effort to support or oppose a candidate, political committee, political party, or the passage or defeat of an initiated petition or measure.
Additional information about independent expenditure disclosure requirements can be found in NDCC § 16.1-08.1-03.5.
Reports to File
Disclosures reports are required in each year in which:
- Name and contract information of the business or individual
- Recipient of the expenditure
- Amount of expenditure
- What the expenditure supports or opposes
To file an independent expenditure, register and submit using the Campaign Finance Reporting System.
Late Fees
Filers who fail to file a independent expenditure report by the deadline must pay a late fee.
- $25 - If filed within 6 days after the due date
- $50 - If filed within 11 days after the due date
- $100 - If filed 12 or more days after the due date
How to Register & File Reports
To register in the online Campaign Finance Reporting System, you must have a North Dakota Login, which is the statewide authentication system used for various state online services—you may already have one if you've used other state websites.
If you don't have a North Dakota Login, create one using the link on the first screen of one of the Campaign Finance Reporting System. For North Dakota Login issues, contact the North Dakota Information Technology Service Desk at 701-328-4470.