Campaign Finance Limits Wisconsin

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Wisconsin campaign finance law regulates contributions and spending in state-level elections. The Wisconsin Ethics Commission oversees and enforces these regulations.

Contribution Limits

Wisconsin imposes limits on the amount of money individuals, political committees, and other entities can contribute to candidates and political parties. These limits vary depending on the office sought and the type of contributor. Key contribution limits include:

• Individuals: Limits are in place for contributions to candidates for statewide office (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, etc.), state legislative seats (Assembly and Senate), and local offices. Amounts adjust periodically based on a formula tied to the consumer price index.
• Political Committees: Political committees, including PACs (Political Action Committees), generally face higher contribution limits than individuals. Limits differ based on the type of committee (e.g., those associated with a specific party or those operating independently).
• Parties: Political parties have their own set of contribution limits, again varying by office and type of contribution (e.g., direct contributions to candidates versus contributions for party-building activities).

It’s important to note that corporate and union contributions are generally prohibited in Wisconsin, with some exceptions related to administrative accounts for certain expenses.

Expenditure Limits

Unlike some other states, Wisconsin does not have overall expenditure limits for candidates running for office. This means there is no legal ceiling on the total amount a candidate can spend during their campaign. However, there are regulations regarding how campaign funds can be used, and disclosure requirements for all spending.

Disclosure Requirements

Transparency is a key component of Wisconsin’s campaign finance law. Candidates and political committees are required to regularly file reports disclosing their contributions and expenditures. These reports are typically filed electronically with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission and are available for public inspection. The frequency of reporting increases as elections draw near.

Independent Expenditures

Wisconsin law addresses independent expenditures, which are funds spent to expressly advocate for or against a candidate without coordination with the candidate’s campaign. While there are no limits on independent expenditures, they must be disclosed to the Ethics Commission.

Enforcement

The Wisconsin Ethics Commission is responsible for enforcing campaign finance laws. The Commission investigates alleged violations, issues advisory opinions, and can impose penalties for non-compliance. Penalties can include fines, civil forfeitures, and in some cases, criminal charges.

Further Information

For detailed information on current contribution limits, reporting schedules, and other campaign finance regulations, it is essential to consult the Wisconsin Ethics Commission website and relevant state statutes.