New campaign finance regulations approved by voters in the November 2018 Municipal General Election are now in effect for City elections. While portions of the regulations are undergoing validation in court proceedings, three main pieces of the regulation were upheld as valid and are applicable to candidates and campaigns in the 2020 Elections Cycle. 

These portions include: 

-Timely disclosure of financing for elections communications. Certain campaign communications that advocate for or against a City candidate must now include information on any Political Committees providing the ad, including names of individuals or other entities contributing to the Political Committee and their dominant backers. See the complete City Code requirements and guidance for more information. 

-Payroll deduction for political contributions. Public and private employers in the City must now allow employees to donate to Political Committees through payroll deduction if they allow similar post-tax deductions for other purposes. See guidance for more information. 

-Independent Expenditure registration. Entities making more than $750 in Independent Expenditures to support or oppose City candidates must register with the Oregon Secretary of State's Office as a Political Committee or Independent Expenditure filer and provide certain disclosures. 

More information, including background on the measure and validation proceeding updates can be found on the City's Elections website. 

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