2013

Today I completed the State Board of Elections 5 part training module for campaign committee treasurers. I took it as the candidate so I could see what my treasurer has to do. The basic campaign contribution limit is $4000 but Chapel Hill has a special maximum of $300. Will the state legislature rules about preventing local governments from being more strict than state or federal laws cause that to be changed?  There is a long list of individuals (including immediate family) and groups whom are not limited to $4000. There are special campaign rules about media for example the size the wording of the statement that candidate committees have to place on their ads. Media includes a mass mailing of 500 or more pieces but it does not include any electronic media such as web pages or blogs. Will that change? Should it? I also took the time today to call Sen. Phil Berger (919-733-5708) and Tom Apodaca (733-5745) and complain about the proposed changes to election law: reduced time for early voting, restrictive voter ID requirement, reduced campaign disclosure requirements, new $5000 maximum donation etc. We live in interesting times.

Loren