What is the role of the IECDB in my campaign?The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board enforces the state campaign laws found in Iowa Code chapter 68A. The Board has jurisdiction over everything from campaign signs to the money you raise for your campaign. The Iowa Secretary of State's Office or your county auditor oversees matters concerning election administration, such as getting your name on the ballot. , Do I have to file regular campaign finance disclosure reports?Maybe. If your campaign raises or spends more than $1,000 in a calendar year you are required to file a Statement of Organization and submit campaign finance reports. If your campaign does not cross the $1,000 threshold, you are not required to file a Statement of Organization or submit campaign finance reports. , How do I navigate the campaign laws and regulations?The laws in Iowa Code chapter 68A and rules in Iowa Administrative Code chapter 351 govern campaigns operating in Iowa. Our agency staff are here to help you navigate these regulations, but responsibility for compliance is ultimately on the campaign. We strongly encourage you to review the applicable laws and rules, along with materials on our website, to understand your campaign's legal obligations. Contact our office if we can be of assistance. , I need an employer identification number (EIN) to open my campaign's bank account. How do I get one?Many banks now require campaigns to obtain an employer identification number (EIN) to open a bank account. The EIN requirement comes from the banks and not from the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. You can obtain an EIN in minutes, for free, and directly from the IRS. Click here for more information. , What kind of campaign committee do I have?Iowa Code chapter 68A sets forth two kinds of campaign committees:Candidate's committee: a campaign committee for those running for state, county, city, or school office. Political committee, commonly referred to as a political action committee or PAC: a campaign committee designed to expressly advocate for more than one candidate/issue in elections. Your legal obligations, including filing deadlines, may differ depending on whether you register a candidate's committee or political committee.

Question

What is the role of the IECDB in my campaign?The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board enforces the state campaign laws found in Iowa Code chapter 68A. The Board has jurisdiction over everything from campaign signs to the money you raise for your campaign. The Iowa Secretary of State's Office or your county auditor oversees matters concerning election administration, such as getting your name on the ballot. ,  Do I have to file regular campaign finance disclosure reports?Maybe. If your campaign raises or spends more than $1,000 in a calendar year you are required to file a Statement of Organization and submit campaign finance reports. If your campaign does not cross the $1,000 threshold, you are not required to file a Statement of Organization or submit campaign finance reports. ,  How do I navigate the campaign laws and regulations?The laws in Iowa Code chapter 68A and rules in Iowa Administrative Code chapter 351 govern campaigns operating in Iowa. Our agency staff are here to help you navigate these regulations, but responsibility for compliance is ultimately on the campaign. We strongly encourage you to review the applicable laws and rules, along with materials on our website, to understand your campaign's legal obligations. Contact our office if we can be of assistance. ,  I need an employer identification number (EIN) to open my campaign's bank account. How do I get one?Many banks now require campaigns to obtain an employer identification number (EIN) to open a bank account. The EIN requirement comes from the banks and not from the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. You can obtain an EIN in minutes, for free, and directly from the IRS. Click here for more information. ,  What kind of campaign committee do I have?Iowa Code chapter 68A sets forth two kinds of campaign committees:Candidate's committee: a campaign committee for those running for state, county, city, or school office. Political committee, commonly referred to as a political action committee or PAC: a campaign committee designed to expressly advocate for more than one candidate/issue in elections. Your legal obligations, including filing deadlines, may differ depending on whether you register a candidate's committee or political committee.

Accepted Answer

What is the role of the IECDB in my campaign?The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board enforces the state campaign laws found in Iowa Code chapter 68A. The Board has jurisdiction over everything from campaign signs to the money you raise for your campaign. The Iowa Secretary of State's Office or your county auditor oversees matters concerning election administration, such as getting your name on the ballot. ,  Do I have to file regular campaign finance disclosure reports?Maybe. If your campaign raises or spends more than $1,000 in a calendar year you are required to file a Statement of Organization and submit campaign finance reports. If your campaign does not cross the $1,000 threshold, you are not required to file a Statement of Organization or submit campaign finance reports. ,  How do I navigate the campaign laws and regulations?The laws in Iowa Code chapter 68A and rules in Iowa Administrative Code chapter 351 govern campaigns operating in Iowa. Our agency staff are here to help you navigate these regulations, but responsibility for compliance is ultimately on the campaign. We strongly encourage you to review the applicable laws and rules, along with materials on our website, to understand your campaign's legal obligations. Contact our office if we can be of assistance. ,  I need an employer identification number (EIN) to open my campaign's bank account. How do I get one?Many banks now require campaigns to obtain an employer identification number (EIN) to open a bank account. The EIN requirement comes from the banks and not from the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. You can obtain an EIN in minutes, for free, and directly from the IRS. Click here for more information. ,  What kind of campaign committee do I have?Iowa Code chapter 68A sets forth two kinds of campaign committees:Candidate's committee: a campaign committee for those running for state, county, city, or school office. Political committee, commonly referred to as a political action committee or PAC: a campaign committee designed to expressly advocate for more than one candidate/issue in elections. Your legal obligations, including filing deadlines, may differ depending on whether you register a candidate's committee or political committee.

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Starting a Campaign FAQs

List items for Starting a Campaign FAQs

What is the role of the IECDB in my campaign?

Do I have to file regular campaign finance disclosure reports?

How do I navigate the campaign laws and regulations?

I need an employer identification number (EIN) to open my campaign's bank account. How do I get one?

What kind of campaign committee do I have?