Affidavit of Independent Expenditures - Minnesota

The Affidavit of Independent Expenditures is a document used in Minnesota for campaign finance purposes. This form is filled out and submitted to the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board by individuals, organizations, or political committees that make independent expenditures. Independent expenditures refer to spending for political campaign communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, where the expenditure isn't coordinated with any candidate or candidate committees. In essence, it's money spent independently from any candidate's official campaign to promote their win or loss, thus the need to track such expenditures to maintain transparency in election financing. This document aids in maintaining this transparency by requiring detailed information about such expenditures.

The Affidavit of Independent Expenditures in Minnesota is typically filed by individuals, candidates, political committees, political funds, party units, or associations that make independent expenditures totaling more than $1,500 in a calendar year in Minnesota. This document is filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance & Public Disclosure Board. Please note, 'independent expenditures' refer to political campaign spending to support or oppose a candidate without directly coordinating with the candidate or their campaign.

FAQ

Q: What is an Affidavit of Independent Expenditures in Minnesota?
A: An Affidavit of Independent Expenditures in Minnesota is a legal document that reports expenditures made by individuals or entities independently of any candidate's committee with the intention to support or oppose candidates or ballot questions.

Q: Who needs to file an Affidavit of Independent Expenditures in Minnesota?
A: In Minnesota, any individual, association, political committee or political fund that makes independent expenditure over $100 in a calendar year is required to file the Affidavit of Independent Expenditures.

Q: How are Independent Expenditures defined in Minnesota?
A: Independent Expenditures in Minnesota are defined as expenses made by individuals or entities to support or oppose candidates or ballot questions without the express or implied consent, authorization, cooperation, or solicitation of a candidate or the candidate’s principal campaign committee.

Q: What is the relevance of the Affidavit of Independent Expenditures in Minnesota?
A: The Affidavit of Independent Expenditures in Minnesota enhances transparency in elections by documenting and disclosing expenditures that are made independently of candidate committees.

Q: What is Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board?
A: The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board is a Minnesota state agency responsible for enforcing campaign finance legislation, public disclosure laws, and lobbyist regulations in the state of Minnesota.