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Campaign Finance FAQs
Click here to view South Dakota's Campaign Finance Laws
Click on the question to see the answer.
1. Who files campaign finance documents with the secretary of state?
The following FILE with the Secretary of State's office:
- Statewide Ballot Question Committees
- Statewide Candidate Committees
- Statewide Political Action Committees (PACs)
- Statewide Political Parties
- Legislative Committees
- County Political Parties
- Auxiliary Political Parties
2. Who files campaign finance documents with the counties, municipalities and school districts?
The following file in the office where the nominating petition or ballot question petition was filed:
NOTE: Local governments are not required to follow Campaign Finance laws except those listed under SDCL 12-27-39: Application of campaign finance requirements. The provisions of this chapter apply to:
- County
- Candidates, Ballot Question Committees and Political Action Committees*
- Municipal
- Candidates*, Ballot Question Committees and Political Action Committees*
- School
- Board Candidates, Ballot Question Committees and Political Action Committees*
NOTE: Local governments are not required to follow Campaign Finance laws except those listed under SDCL 12-27-39: Application of campaign finance requirements. The provisions of this chapter apply to:
- Statewide offices
- Legislative offices
- Statewide ballot questions
- County offices and ballot questions in counties with population greater than ten thousand according to the most recent Federal census.
- Ballot questions in first class municipalities.
- School district offices and ballot questions in school districts with more than two thousand average daily membership.
- Any municipal or school district election covered by this chapter shall conform to the contribution limits applicable to legislative offices.
- This chapter does not apply to the unified judicial system, nor does this chapter apply to any township or special purpose district office or ballot questions or elections for municipal offices.
- County, city and school candidates and ballot question committees, contact the office where you filed your nominating petition or ballot question petition to see what is required to be filed in that jurisdiction.
- Please note, the governing body of any county, township, municipality, school district, or special purpose district not otherwise covered by this chapter may adopt an ordinance or resolution to make the provisions of this chapter, with or without amendments, applicable to township, school district, or special purpose district elections.
3. When should a committee form or organize?
(SDCL 12-27-2 thru 12-27-6)
- Every political committee must be registered not later than fifteen days after the date upon which the committee made contributions, received contributions, or paid expenses in excess of five hundred dollars unless such activity falls within thirty days of any statewide election in which case the statement of organization shall be filed within forty-eight hours.
- Committees that file the Secretary of State may file online at sdcfr.sdsos.gov
- See statement of organization under paper forms
- Any candidate for public office shall organize a candidate campaign committee not later than fifteen days after becoming a candidate (file nominating petitions) and shall file a statement of organization.
- The candidate or treasurer of a political committee shall file an updated statement of organization not later than fifteen days after any change in the information contained on the most recently filed statement of organization.
4. What is a political committee?
(SDCL 12-27-1)
"Political committee," any candidate campaign committee, political action committee, political party, or ballot question committee.
"Political committee," any candidate campaign committee, political action committee, political party, or ballot question committee.
5. What if I file campaign finance documents with the FEC, IRS or another state?
- All political committees that file campaign finance disclosures with another state, the Federal Election Commission or report contributions and expenses to the Internal Revenue Service are not required to file with the SD Secretary of State.
- If a political committee treasurer is required to file a report with the secretary of state, the report may only include contributions and expenditures related to this state.
6. What are the treasurer duties and responsibilities?
(SDCL 12-27-29)
All responsibility for campaign financial records rests with the TREASURER of the political committee who is required by law to maintain and preserve detailed and accurate records of the following:
A treasurer that fails to timely file reports or pay penalties could cause a candidate to not be certified for office. (SDCL 12-27-29.3)
All responsibility for campaign financial records rests with the TREASURER of the political committee who is required by law to maintain and preserve detailed and accurate records of the following:
- Each contribution and donated good or service contribution received by the political committee;
- In the case of a ballot question committee, the information required for any contribution from an entity as described in SDCL 12-27-19;
- Each loan received or made by the political committee;
- Each refund, rebate, interest, or other income received by the political committee;
- All receipts, invoices, bills, canceled checks, or other proofs of payment, with an explanation of each, for each expenditure;
- The name and address of any financial institution where an account or depository for the political committee is maintained including the account number.
A treasurer that fails to timely file reports or pay penalties could cause a candidate to not be certified for office. (SDCL 12-27-29.3)
7. Can the candidate serve as the chair and treasurer?
Yes, the candidate may choose to be their own chair and treasurer. If a candidate chooses someone else to be their treasurer, they are still responsible for each monetary fine and penalty imposed on the committee.
If a candidate is not the treasurer of the candidate’s campaign committee, the penalty of a candidate being decertified, pursuant to this chapter, remains. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, a candidate is jointly and severally responsible with the treasurer of the candidate's campaign committee for each monetary fine and penalty imposed by this chapter. (SDCL 12-27-29.5)
If a candidate is not the treasurer of the candidate’s campaign committee, the penalty of a candidate being decertified, pursuant to this chapter, remains. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, a candidate is jointly and severally responsible with the treasurer of the candidate's campaign committee for each monetary fine and penalty imposed by this chapter. (SDCL 12-27-29.5)
8. What information does my bank need from me?
When a committee opens a campaign account, a bank may request various things. Political committees do not have to provide any banking information to our office nor do we require any in order for a committee to form. What the bank requires is between the committee and the bank.
9. What financial records need to be maintained?
(SDCL 12-27-29)
Candidates and committees must keep accurate records of all receipts and expenditures. While a separate campaign bank account for a candidate is not required, it does simplify record keeping and is encouraged.
The treasurer shall maintain and preserve the records for a period of seven years or three years past the date of filing the termination statement for the election for which the contribution or expenditure was made, whichever is earlier. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Candidates and committees must keep accurate records of all receipts and expenditures. While a separate campaign bank account for a candidate is not required, it does simplify record keeping and is encouraged.
The treasurer shall maintain and preserve the records for a period of seven years or three years past the date of filing the termination statement for the election for which the contribution or expenditure was made, whichever is earlier. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
10. What is the campaign finance reporting system (CFRS)?
The Secretary of State's Office has developed a Campaign Finance Reporting System that allows committees to file reports online. Through this user friendly filing system, committees may access their reports, make changes to their committee information and view other committee reports.
Anyone may use the system to search reports filed with the Secretary of State's office.
The Campaign Finance Reporting System may be accessed at sdcfr.sdsos.gov
Anyone may use the system to search reports filed with the Secretary of State's office.
The Campaign Finance Reporting System may be accessed at sdcfr.sdsos.gov
11. What are South Dakota campaign finance contribution limits?
12. If I have multiple committees does that change the amount that I may contribute or receive?
Yes. 12-27-10.4. Affiliated entities sharing single contribution limit. All political action committees established, financed, maintained, or controlled by the same person or entity, including any parent, subsidiary, branch, division, department, or local unit of the person or entity, are affiliated and share a single contribution limit under 12-27-9, both with respect to contributions made and contributions received.
13. What needs to be reported and when?
(SDCL 12-27-24)
Click here to view South Dakota Campaign Finance Reporting Deadlines
Click here to view South Dakota Campaign Finance Reporting Deadlines
- Aggregate contributions received from individuals of more than $100.00 in a calendar year shall be itemized and include name, mailing address and amount of contribution.
- Contributions received from individuals of $100.00 or less must be reported but need not be itemized.
- All contributions of any amount from Federal, out-of-State or South Dakota political action committees (PAC's) must be itemized.
- All contributions from any entity must be itemized.
- All contributions of any amount from any political committee must be itemized.
- Any donated good or service contribution shall contain the same information as for any monetary contribution, and shall also include a description of the donated good or service contribution.
- Expenditures may be categorized by expense type. Miscellaneous category prohibited.
- Any refunds, rebates, interest, sale of property, or other receipts not previously identified during the reporting period.
- All contributions from a committee to another candidate or committee must be itemized.
- Entities costs for establishing and administering a political action committee.
- Each loan repayment shall be reported in the same manner as expenditure.
- Each loan received shall be reported in the same manner as a contribution.
14. What is the financial disclosure report?
(SDCL 12-27-22 thru 12-27-28)
The campaign finance disclosure report is the most visible part of the disclosure process. This is the document that contains the information most utilized by the public. The disclosure report provides the public with information on contributions received and expenditures made by the political committee during the calendar year up to the cutoff date of the reporting period.
(See paper forms - Campaign Finance Disclosure Report) (File this online!)
The campaign finance disclosure report is the most visible part of the disclosure process. This is the document that contains the information most utilized by the public. The disclosure report provides the public with information on contributions received and expenditures made by the political committee during the calendar year up to the cutoff date of the reporting period.
(See paper forms - Campaign Finance Disclosure Report) (File this online!)
15. What is an entity?
(SDCL 12-27-1)
"Entity," any organized or unorganized association, business corporation, limited liability company, nonprofit corporation, limited liability partnership, limited liability limited partnership, limited partnership, partnership, cooperative, trust except for a trust account representing or containing only a contributor's personal funds, a business trust, association, club, labor union, or collective bargaining organization; any local, state, or national organization to which a labor organization pays membership or per capita fees, based upon its affiliation and membership; any trade or professional association that receives its funds from membership dues or service fees, whether organized inside or outside the state; any other entity of any kind, except a natural person that is, has been, or could be recognized by law; or any group of persons acting in concert that is not defined as a political committee in this chapter except, an entity is not a candidate, a public office holder, or a political committee.
"Entity," any organized or unorganized association, business corporation, limited liability company, nonprofit corporation, limited liability partnership, limited liability limited partnership, limited partnership, partnership, cooperative, trust except for a trust account representing or containing only a contributor's personal funds, a business trust, association, club, labor union, or collective bargaining organization; any local, state, or national organization to which a labor organization pays membership or per capita fees, based upon its affiliation and membership; any trade or professional association that receives its funds from membership dues or service fees, whether organized inside or outside the state; any other entity of any kind, except a natural person that is, has been, or could be recognized by law; or any group of persons acting in concert that is not defined as a political committee in this chapter except, an entity is not a candidate, a public office holder, or a political committee.
16. What can candidate campaign funds be used for?
12-27-50. Limitation on uses for contributions received by candidate campaign committee
Contributions received by a candidate campaign committee may only be used for:
Contributions received by a candidate campaign committee may only be used for:
- A purpose related to a candidate's campaign;
- Expenses incident to being a public official or former public official; or
- Donations to any other candidate, political committee, or nonprofit charitable organization.
17. What happens if a contribution exceeds the limitation?
(SDCL 12-27-7, 8, 9, 10)
If a contribution is received that exceeds the contribution limit (or exceeds the limit in the aggregate when combined with other contributions from the individual during the calendar year) the treasurer must return the contribution to the contributor. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a political committee or political party to accept a contribution from an individual that exceeds the contribution limit.
If a contribution is received that exceeds the contribution limit (or exceeds the limit in the aggregate when combined with other contributions from the individual during the calendar year) the treasurer must return the contribution to the contributor. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a political committee or political party to accept a contribution from an individual that exceeds the contribution limit.
18. Are anonymous contributions allowed?
(SDCL 12-27-24 (14), 12-27-11)
No, every contribution must include the name and mailing address of the contributor. If this information is not provided, the treasurer may not deposit the contribution. If any contribution, money, or other thing of value is received from an unknown source the treasurer must donate it to a nonprofit charitable entity.
No, every contribution must include the name and mailing address of the contributor. If this information is not provided, the treasurer may not deposit the contribution. If any contribution, money, or other thing of value is received from an unknown source the treasurer must donate it to a nonprofit charitable entity.
19. Are fictitious names on contributions allowed?
(SDCL 12-27-12))
No person or entity may make a contribution in the name of another person or entity make a contribution in a fictitious name, make a contribution on behalf of another person or entity, or knowingly permit another to use that person's or entity's name to make a contribution.
No person or entity may make a contribution in the name of another person or entity make a contribution in a fictitious name, make a contribution on behalf of another person or entity, or knowingly permit another to use that person's or entity's name to make a contribution.
20. Are contributions disguised as gifts allowed?
(SDCL 12-27-12)
No person or entity may make a contribution disguised as a gift and no candidate knowingly may accept a contribution disguised as a gift. This simply means that gifts are contributions and fall under the same limitations. It would be unlawful for someone to give a candidate a "personal" gift while intending the gift to be used as a contribution.
A donated good or service is considered a contribution and would need to be reported on the form if the estimated value is $500 or more.
21. What is the supplemental report?
(SDCL 12-27-28)
A supplemental report must be filed if any political committee receives a contribution of $500.00 or more within twenty days immediately prior to an election. The supplemental report shall be filed within forty-eight hours of the receipt of the contribution.
A donated good or service is considered a contribution and would need to be reported on the form if the estimated value is $500 or more.
(See paper forms - Supplemental Report)
22. What is the communication expenditure?
(SDCL 12-27-16.1)
Who files this statement: Any PERSON or ENTITY that makes a payment or promise of payment totaling more than $100.00, including donated goods or services, for a communication expenditure that concerns a candidate, public office holder, ballot question, or political party. SDCL 12-27-16(a)-(e) outlines what types of communications do not need to be reported on this form. POLITICAL COMMITTEES list Communication Expenditures on their Campaign Finance Disclosure Report.
Who files this statement: Any PERSON or ENTITY that makes a payment or promise of payment totaling more than $100.00, including donated goods or services, for a communication expenditure that concerns a candidate, public office holder, ballot question, or political party. SDCL 12-27-16(a)-(e) outlines what types of communications do not need to be reported on this form. POLITICAL COMMITTEES list Communication Expenditures on their Campaign Finance Disclosure Report.
- Deadline to file: Within 48 hours of the time that the communication is disseminated, broadcast, or otherwise published.
- File with: The Secretary of State except local political committees file with their local election official.
- Disclaimers for communications: follow SDCL 12-27-16(1)(a)-(c)
- 12-27-16 states the Top 5 contributors must be listed on the disclaimer. We do not give legal advice and will only offer to you what the statute says. What we say isn’t the final say as the penalty for non-compliance is criminal which would fall to a State’s Attorney or the Attorney General to enforce.
- (See paper forms - Communication Expenditures)
To view filed Communication Expenditures click here.
23. Are Federal Political Action Committees or Federal Candidate Committees required to file a Communication Expenditure in South Dakota?
Federal Political Action Committees and Federal Candidate Committees do not have to file a Communication Expenditure with the South Dakota Secretary of State's office. There is nothing in South Dakota codified law that requires that filing. Those federal committees are required to file an Independent Expenditure with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). Contact the FEC if you have additional questions.
24. Are disclaimers needed for political committees?
All political committees must display or clearly speak the statement: "Paid for by (Name of candidate or political committee)"on any printed material or communication. This disclaimer is not required on buttons, balloons, pins, pens, matchbooks, clothing, or similar small items upon which the inclusion of the statement would be impracticable (SDCL 12-27-15).
25. Where can I post my campaign signs?
There is no state law on when and where campaign signs can be posted. It is up to the local jurisdiction to determine the timeframe and locations. You will need to contact each jurisdiction to find out if they have any regulations.
You may also contact the South Dakota Department of Transportation's right of way office for more information on where signs may be posted (605)-773-3265. The use of right of way is reserved for official highway signage. All signs in the right of way that are not required for traffic control, as authorized by law (SDCL 31-28-14), are prohibited and will be removed. That includes both candidate and ballot-issue signs.
Municipal and county ordinances regulating placement and removal of campaign signs do not have precedence over state jurisdiction and supervision of state highway rights of way.
You may also contact the South Dakota Department of Transportation's right of way office for more information on where signs may be posted (605)-773-3265. The use of right of way is reserved for official highway signage. All signs in the right of way that are not required for traffic control, as authorized by law (SDCL 31-28-14), are prohibited and will be removed. That includes both candidate and ballot-issue signs.
Municipal and county ordinances regulating placement and removal of campaign signs do not have precedence over state jurisdiction and supervision of state highway rights of way.
26. Can public funds be used to influence an election?
(SDCL 12-27-20)
No. The State, an agency of the State, and the governing body of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the State may not expend or permit the expenditure of public funds for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of any candidate, or for the petitioning of a ballot question on the ballot or the adoption or defeat of any ballot question. This section may not be construed to limit the freedom of speech of any officer or employee of the State or such political subdivisions in his or her personal capacity. This section does not prohibit the State, its agencies, or the governing body of any political subdivision of the State from presenting factual information solely for the purpose of educating the voters on a ballot question.
No. The State, an agency of the State, and the governing body of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the State may not expend or permit the expenditure of public funds for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of any candidate, or for the petitioning of a ballot question on the ballot or the adoption or defeat of any ballot question. This section may not be construed to limit the freedom of speech of any officer or employee of the State or such political subdivisions in his or her personal capacity. This section does not prohibit the State, its agencies, or the governing body of any political subdivision of the State from presenting factual information solely for the purpose of educating the voters on a ballot question.
27. Where do federal candidates file and where can I find their information?
Federal candidates (United States House of Representatives and United States Senate) file with the Federal Election Commission. The Federal Election Commission (FEC), 999 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20463, administers the federal laws. The commission has a toll free information line: (800) 424-9530. The web site address is www.fec.gov, where you may look at reports that are filed at the FEC within 48 hours after the report has been filed.
28. What is the effect of the Secretary of State's filing or refusing to file document?
SDCL 12-27-49 The Office of the Secretary of State's duty to file a document under this chapter is ministerial. If the Office of the Secretary of State files or refuses to file a document, it does not:
- Affect the validity or invalidity of the document in whole or part;
- Relate to the correctness or incorrectness of information contained in the document; or
- Create a presumption that the document is valid or invalid or that information contained in the document is correct or incorrect.
29. I am a County Political Party, what do I need to do?
Chapter 12-27 requires a statement of organization to be submitted to the Secretary of State's office designating the committee chairperson and the committee treasurer. State law also requires the treasurer to submit an updated statement of organization to the Secretary of State not later than fifteen days after any change in the information contained on the most recently filed statement of organization. The treasurer listed on the statement of organization is the person required by law to submit the changes to the statement of organization and the person responsible for the campaign finance reports. The treasurer cannot remove her/his name as the committee treasurer, without an updated statement of organization submitted indicating a new treasurer.
As a county political party, you have one report in an even numbered year called a Pre-General report to file. This has to be filed in the Secretary of State's office no later than 15 days before the General Election.
As a county political party, you have one report in an even numbered year called a Pre-General report to file. This has to be filed in the Secretary of State's office no later than 15 days before the General Election.
30. Do County Political Parties follow the same laws as other political committees?
Yes, county political parties follow the same laws. To view contribution limits, click here.
31. How many campaign finance reports have to be filed each year by a County Political Party?
One report in an even numbered year called a Pre-General report. This has to be filed in the Secretary of State's office no later than 15 days before the General Election. A COUNTY POLITICAL PARTY IS NO LONGER REQUIRED TO FILE A YEAR-END REPORT.
32. Is a County Political Party the same as the County Central Committee?
For the most part, Yes. See the statute below:
12-5-14. County central committee--Composition--Organization--Certification of party officials. The precinct committeemen and the precinct committeewomen of each political party; the state committeemen and committeewomen; the county chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary-treasurer or secretary and treasurer; and the elected public officers who reside in the county and other officers as designated by the party's constitution or bylaws, constitute the county central committee of their respective parties. They shall form their party organization by electing a county chairperson and other officers as determined by the party's constitution or bylaws. The name and mailing address of the county chairperson shall be certified to the county auditor immediately following the election of the county chairperson or change of the county chairperson. The name and mailing address of the county officer responsible for the records and reports required pursuant to chapter 12-27 shall be certified to the secretary of state immediately following the election. The name and mailing address of the state party chairperson shall be certified to the secretary of state immediately following the election or appointment of the state party chairperson.
12-5-14. County central committee--Composition--Organization--Certification of party officials. The precinct committeemen and the precinct committeewomen of each political party; the state committeemen and committeewomen; the county chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary-treasurer or secretary and treasurer; and the elected public officers who reside in the county and other officers as designated by the party's constitution or bylaws, constitute the county central committee of their respective parties. They shall form their party organization by electing a county chairperson and other officers as determined by the party's constitution or bylaws. The name and mailing address of the county chairperson shall be certified to the county auditor immediately following the election of the county chairperson or change of the county chairperson. The name and mailing address of the county officer responsible for the records and reports required pursuant to chapter 12-27 shall be certified to the secretary of state immediately following the election. The name and mailing address of the state party chairperson shall be certified to the secretary of state immediately following the election or appointment of the state party chairperson.