Run for Office · Treasurer
Treasurer Guide
The treasurer keeps the campaign clean and legal so the candidate can focus on voters. For first-time candidates, this is one of the most important early decisions.
Get help early
You may serve as your own treasurer. For most first-time municipal candidates, it is smarter to recruit someone experienced.
Burlington County candidates: Call the Burlington County Republican Committee Executive Director for recommendations of treasurers who will handle all NJELEC forms and filings. burlcogop.com · (609) 267-3432
What the treasurer owns
- Opens and controls the dedicated campaign bank account (campaign depository)
- Receives and deposits all contributions within 10 days
- Makes or authorizes all expenditures from the campaign account
- Keeps records of every contribution and expenditure (including in-kind)
- Files Form D-1 (or D-2) and all required reports with NJELEC on time
- Files 72-hour / 24-hour notices when large activity occurs near Election Day
- Ensures “Paid for by” language and use-of-funds rules are followed
What the candidate still owns
- Overall compliance — the candidate remains responsible
- Choosing the treasurer and making sure they are competent and available
- Never mixing personal and campaign money
- Never accepting prohibited contributions
- Reading (or at least reviewing) the reports before they are filed
First 10 days checklist
- ☐ Treasurer appointed and agrees in writing to the role
- ☐ Campaign bank account opened in the committee’s name
- ☐ Form D-1 (or D-2) filed with NJELEC within 10 days of first money in or out
- ☐ Simple system set up for logging contributions and expenses the same day they happen
Reporting rhythm (November example)
Confirm exact dates each cycle at elec.nj.gov/forcandidates/datescurrent.htm. Typical pattern for a November election:
- 29-day pre-election report
- 11-day pre-election report
- 20-day post-election report
- 72-hour and 24-hour notices in the final stretch when required
Low-spending campaigns may qualify for simpler Form A-1 filings. Thresholds change — verify before you assume you are under the limit.
Red flags
- Personal account used for campaign expenses
- Cash contributions that are not immediately recorded
- Reports filed late or not at all
- Treasurer who is hard to reach in the final three weeks
- Any pressure to “fix it in later”