Run for Office · Limits & Disclaimers
Contribution Limits & “Paid for by”
Two things every candidate must get right from day one: how much you can accept, and how you identify who paid for the material.
Limits are adjusted periodically. Always confirm the current chart at elec.nj.gov/forcandidates/elect_limits.htm before accepting any contribution. This page is educational only.
Contribution limits (2026 figures — verify)
As a practical guide for municipal candidate committees:
- Individuals, corporations, unions, and groups: up to $5,500 per election to a candidate committee.
- Cash (currency): limited and must be fully disclosed. Keep cash small and rare; most contributions should be by check or electronic means.
- Anonymous contributions: prohibited.
- Contributions in the name of another: prohibited.
- Partnerships / LLCs: generally cannot contribute directly — money must come from the individual partners or members.
Record every contribution immediately. Deposit into the campaign account within 10 days. Contributions over $200 in the aggregate from one source require full disclosure (name, address, occupation, employer).
“Paid for by” disclaimer
Political communications that cost money must identify who paid for them. Use the exact registered name of your committee and a street address (not a P.O. box alone, when a street address is required).
Basic formula
Paid for by [Full Committee Name], [Street Address], [City], NJ [ZIP].
Example:
Paid for by Smith for Township Committee, 123 Main Street, Anytown, NJ 08000.
Where it must appear
- Yard signs and large signs
- Palm cards, mailers, and literature
- Newspaper and digital ads you pay for
- Campaign website and paid social posts (when required)
- Emails and texts that solicit contributions or expressly advocate
When in doubt, put the disclaimer on it. Make the type large enough to read. On small materials, place it where it is still legible.
Common mistakes
- Using only the candidate’s personal name instead of the committee name
- Leaving off the address
- Forgetting the disclaimer on a second round of signs or a digital ad
- Mixing committee funds with personal funds (never do this)