Run for Office · Handbook · Compliance
NJELEC Compliance
Your non-negotiable foundation. Every municipal candidate is subject to New Jersey’s campaign finance rules.
The Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act is administered by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (NJELEC). Even if you spend nothing or run unopposed, you almost always have filing obligations. Start at elec.nj.gov.
1. Appoint a treasurer and open a campaign account
You may serve as your own treasurer, but first-time candidates are strongly encouraged to recruit an experienced one. Contact the Burlington County Republican Committee Executive Director for recommendations of treasurers who will handle all ELEC forms and filings. Visit burlcogop.com or call (609) 267-3432.
Open a dedicated campaign checking account in the name of your committee (e.g., “Smith for Township Committee”). All contributions must be deposited within 10 days of receipt. All expenditures must go through the treasurer and the account. Never mix personal and campaign funds.
2. File Form D-1 (or D-2 for joint committees)
Within 10 days of receiving your first contribution or making your first expenditure, file Form D-1 electronically with NJELEC. Joint candidates use Form D-2. The committee name must include the candidate’s surname and the office sought. Electronic filing: njelecregister.com.
Contribution limits (2026, always verify)
For a candidate committee in 2026, individuals, corporations, unions, and associations/groups may contribute up to $5,500 per election. Other entity types (PACs, party committees) have different limits. Cash contributions are restricted and must be fully disclosed. Anonymous contributions and contributions in the name of another are prohibited. Partnerships and many LLCs generally cannot give directly; money must come from individuals.
Current chart: elec.nj.gov/forcandidates/elect_limits.htm. Quick reference: Limits & Disclaimers.
Reporting rhythm and forms
Thresholds and form choices change; confirm in the current Compliance Manual and forms list. In plain terms:
- Very low activity may qualify for a sworn statement path (Form A-1 / A-2); dollar thresholds are adjusted over time; do not assume an old number.
- Most active campaigns file Form D-1 (or D-2) and detailed reports (often Form R-1) on the pre- and post-election schedule.
- Contributions over $200 in the aggregate from one source require full contributor disclosure.
- Large contributions or expenditures near Election Day trigger 72-hour or 24-hour notice reports.
November 3, 2026 general election (example dates)
- 29-day pre-election report: due October 5, 2026 (activity through October 2)
- 11-day pre-election report: due October 23, 2026
- 20-day post-election report: due November 23, 2026
- 72-hour notices: roughly October 21–26, 2026
- 24-hour notices: roughly October 27–November 3, 2026
Depending on when your committee's activity began, a quarterly filing may also be due before the pre-election reports. Always check elec.nj.gov/forcandidates/datescurrent.htm.
Use of campaign funds
Funds may be used for legitimate campaign purposes and certain ordinary and necessary officeholding expenses. Personal use is strictly prohibited. All political communications must carry a “Paid for by [Committee Name, Address]” disclaimer. Keep meticulous records for at least four years.
Incumbent communications: the 90-day window
If you already hold office, official communications in the 90 days before an election get extra scrutiny. A communication can be treated as political even without the words “vote for me” when it is broadly sent to people eligible to vote for you, discusses your governmental or political objectives or achievements, and is prepared or distributed with your cooperation or consent. That can include municipal newsletters, mass emails, social posts, videos, and website features.
Routine service updates are not automatically forbidden, but pieces that prominently feature the incumbent and claim credit for projects are the risk zone. When in doubt, keep government communications informational and move advocacy to the campaign account with proper disclaimers.