Campaign and Political Finance
Campaign and Political Finance Filings
State law requires an accounting of all money received or spent in the course of
a political campaign.
In Sunderland, the Town Clerk serves as the Town's Campaign and Political
Finance
Director for all local campaigns. As a result, the financial disclosure
statements of candidate and ballot question committees must be filed with the
Town Clerk and maintained for public inspection.
The financial disclosure statements must be on forms prescribed by the Town
Clerk and include the name of the candidate or ballot question committee; the
address of the committee; the committee's chairman and treasurer; an accounting
of all contributions received; and a listing of all individuals who contributed
over a prescribed amount. The statements also must include an accounting of all
campaign expenditures.
The statements, which are filed periodically throughout the year, are reviewed
and audited by the Town Clerk. The filing deadlines for Town candidates or
questions are:
the eighth day before a Town or general election, or special election
the thirtieth day following a general election.
the end of year – January 20th report, with an accounting of all
required information through December 31 of the preceding year.
Activities at Polling Places
State law prohibits the display of political paraphernalia within 150 feet of
the entrance to the polling location. Signs, stickers and even lapel buttons are
not permitted within this restricted zone. Within 150 feet of a polling place,
no person shall solicit votes for or against, or otherwise promote or oppose,
any person or political party or position on a ballot question, to be voted at
the ongoing election.
Massachusetts OFFICE OF CAMPAIGN AND POLITICAL FINANCE