Missouri Campaign Finance Laws

The Missouri Ethics Commission is responsible for ensuring campaign finance laws are followed properly in accordance with Chapter 130 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.  They provide the most current documents and information necessary regarding contributions (including fiat money, gifts, loans, or “anything of value”*), used to influence voters. 

If you’re running for a committeeman or committeewoman position (or other smaller local elections), you shouldn’t expect to receive over $500 in money or in-kind contributions.  In that case, it appears that you would file a Statement of Exemption: http://www.moethics.mo.gov/Ethics/CampFinance/CF_PDF/2007/ER.pdf.  HOWEVER…

According to the book “How to Win a Local Election”1, you cannot rely on what someone else tells you regarding finance law, you cannot rely on what was done in the past, because the laws are often amended.  You are responsible for reading it, understanding it and following it exactly.  

Please confirm requirements with the Missouri Ethics Commission by calling (800) 392-8660 or (573) 751-2020.

Brochures and information are available on the Missouri Ethics Commission website: http://www.moethics.mo.gov/Ethics/CampFinance/CF_Brochures.aspx. 

Review the law related to campaign financing in Missouri: http://www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/C130.htm.

*Definition of Contributions (Ref):

Contribution: A contribution includes a payment, gift, loan, advance, deposit, or donation of money or anything of value. A contribution of anything of value shall be deemed to have a monetary value equal to the fair market value.

In-Kind Contribution: An in-kind contribution is a contribution in a form other than money. It is the responsibility of the campaign to report the value of an in-kind contribution. The in-kind value should be the fair market value. (What someone else would pay for the same thing.)

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1 “How to Win a Local Election”, 3rd Edition, 2007, Judge Lawrence Grey, pp 28-35.