Campaign Finance Basics
The City’s Campaign Finance Law, found at City Code Chapter 20-1000 and Board Regulation No. 1, supplements the Pennsylvania Election Code with additional rules and requirements related to campaigns for City elective office.
Does the City's Campaign Finance Law apply to me?
The City's Campaign Finance Law applies to:
candidates for City elective office;
those who contribute to candidates for City elective office; and
political committees or others that make expenditures to influence a City election.
What is City elective office?
Mayor
Councilmember (District & At-Large)
Controller
City Commissioner
District Attorney
Sheriff
What are the main components of the City's Campaign Finance Law?
Electronic filing of campaign finance reports
All campaign finance reports filed with the Board must be filed electronically. This site provides additional guidance on who must file, when reports are due, and what information must be included in a report.
The City’s Campaign Finance Law limits the amount of money that can be donated to candidates for City elective office. For more details on the rules for contributions, click here.
Special rules regarding use of political committees by candidates
Generally speaking, candidates for City elective office must use a single checking account and political committee for all contributions received and all expenditures made for their campaign. Unless specifically permitted by Board Regulation No. 1, a campaign shall not make any expenditure related to a covered election through any other person or vendor.
A candidate may establish a special committee to raise and spend money for the defense of litigation arising directly from their campaign. If a candidate wishes to raise and spend money for inauguration or transition to City office, they must set up a separate Transition and Inauguration Committee. Click here for more information about the use of political committees.