The term disbursement in the context of federal elections refers to any payment or purchase made by a political committee or any individual or organization that is subject to federal election laws. This includes a wide range of financial transactions related to campaign activities, such as advertising, event costs, and operational expenses.
Disbursements are a key aspect of campaign finance law. They are used to track how political committees and candidates spend their funds during election cycles. Understanding disbursement is essential for compliance with federal regulations, particularly those outlined in the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. Users may manage their disbursement records using legal templates provided by services like US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A political committee pays for a television advertisement to promote a candidate. This payment is considered a disbursement.
Example 2: An organization that supports a political cause makes a donation to a campaign for promotional materials. This transaction is also classified as a disbursement.
The primary legal reference for disbursements in federal elections is the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA), particularly under Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 300.2(d). This law establishes the framework for campaign finance and outlines the requirements for reporting disbursements.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Expenditure | Money spent by a campaign for goods or services. | Expenditures are a subset of disbursements specifically related to campaign spending. |
| Contribution | Money or resources given to a campaign or political committee. | Contributions are funds received, while disbursements are funds spent. |
If you are involved in a political campaign or organization, it is crucial to keep accurate records of all disbursements. Consider using legal templates from US Legal Forms to help manage your financial records effectively. If you face complex issues regarding disbursements, consulting a legal professional is advisable to ensure compliance with all regulations.
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A disbursement includes any payment made for campaign-related expenses, such as advertising or event costs.