Charleston, W.Va. — Pursuant to the passage of Senate Bill 622 by the West Virginia Legislature, Secretary of State Mac Warner would like to notify the general public that several major changes to the West Virginia campaign finance laws go into effect on June 7, 2019. The affected provisions of the West Virginia Code may be viewed at the following link: SB 622

Additionally, the State Election Commission published emergency rules and proposed Legislative Rules to effectuate the changes made by the passage of SB 622.

The public notice and comment period for the Legislative Rules began on June 6, 2019, and will remain open until July 10, 2019, at 5:00pm. To view the emergency rules, proposed Legislative Rules or the instructions for submitting public comments, please click the following links:

146-01 Corporate and Membership Organization Political Activity:

Emergency Rule and Notice Legislative Rule and Notice of Comment Period

146-03 Regulation of Campaign Finance:

Emergency Rule and Notice Legislative Rule and Notice of Comment Period

Among the changes, there are new quarterly reporting deadlines for all candidates and committees; mandatory $10/day fines for any late reports (and late filers’ names shall be published to the public); increased contribution limits; and joint fundraising activities are now permitted.

"These new regulations provide greater transparency and additional reporting requirements for those individuals and political committees participating in West Virginia elections," said Secretary Warner. "Our staff is prepared to assist the general public in compliance with these new rules."

For additional information and educational materials related to the changes in the campaign finance laws, please click the following links:

https://sos.wv.gov/FormSearch/Elections/Informational/Campaign%20Finance%20Deadlines.pdf (the first report for ALL candidates and committees with excess funds that file annual reports is due July 1 – July 7, 2019)

Campaign Finance Frequently Asked Questions

WV Secretary of State Elections Webpage

If you have any questions, please contact the West Virginia Secretary of State's Elections Division at (304) 558-6000 or email Elections@wvsos.gov.