Introduction

Campaign Finance Database (MDCRIS)

The campaign finance database can be used to:

• Review information about campaign committees.
• Review filed reports submitted by Campaign Finance Entities
• Search contributions and expenditures reported by Campaign Finance Entities
• Title 14 FAQ
• BCDS Q & A (PDF)
• BCDS Resident Agent FAQ (PDF)
• BCDS Beneficial Owner FAQ (PDF)

BCDS IS NOW LIVE!

Come check it out at https://businessdisclosure-elections.maryland.gov/businesslogin!

Searching Contributions and Expenditures in MDCRIS

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MDCRIS Training Seminars

This training teaches you how to enter in contributions, record expenditures and file a campaign finance report using MD CRIS. Please contact the Candidacy and Campaign Finance Division at 410-269-2880 to RSVP. Additional training will occur throughout the year.

• Dates to be determined
• Note: We do have a wireless internet connection if you would like to bring a laptop.
• Video of how to file and use MD CRIS is available on YouTube.

MDCRIS Overview Video

For a fully keyboard-accessible alternative of the video player, either view in Chrome or any Android or iOS device, view in Firefox with the YouTube All HTML5 add-on installed, or disable Flash in Internet Explorer

• Transcript
• View the MDCRIS Overview User Manual (PDF)

Audit Deficiency Notices

• Presentation Notes (PDF)
• Bank vs. Cash Balance Discrepancy (PDF)
• How to Identify Non-Compliant Violations (PDF)

Closure Requests

• Presentation Notes (PDF)
• Closure Checklist (PDF)

Reimbursements & In-Kind Contributions

Presentation Notes (PDF)

Additional MDCRIS Resources for Committees

• How to Locate Recently Filed Campaign Finance Reports (PDF)
• How to Pull Contributions & Expenditures via Excel (PDF)
• Returned Contributions (Current Period) (PDF)
• Returned Contributions (Prior Period) (PDF)

General Information

EAffidavit Filing

A political committee may file the Eaffidavit in lieu of a detailed campaign finance report if the political committee did not receive contributions or make expenditures in the cumulative amount of $1,000 or more (exclusive of the candidate's filing fee) since either the establishment of the political committee, or the filing of the last campaign finance report.

Late Fee Waiver Request Form

• If you assert as the basis for the request that you were personally unable to file the report, please explain why the other responsible parties could not file the report.
• Please limit your request to this document only.
• *Requests may only be made by the committee chairman, treasurer, candidate, filer and principal officer

Submit the Late Fee Waiver Request Form

Reporting Schedule

The Reporting Schedule lists the transaction periods and due dates for all of campaign finance reports due for Baltimore City and Presidential designated political committees. Additionally, the schedule lists the next 3 reporting dates for Gubernatorial designated political committees.

Central Committee Aggregate In-Kind Contributions

A central committee of a political party and legislative party caucus committees may make aggregate in-kind contributions (PDF) during an election cycle not in excess of for a State central committee $1 for every two registered voter in the State and for a local central committee $1 for every two registered voter in the county.

Disclosure of Contributions

Maryland Law requires persons doing business with Maryland Government and/or person employing lobbyists to file a Disclosure of Contributions. Reports are due every six months on November 30 and May 31 with the transaction period ending the last day of the month prior to the due date. Additionally, there is an initial report that a person doing business with the State is required to file at the time the government contract is awarded.

Summary Guide to Maryland Candidacy and Campaign Finance Laws

Summary Guide for Maryland Candidacy and Campaign Finance Laws

Public Funding for Campaigns

Candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor can receive public funds for their campaigns if they comply with the requirements established under Title 14 of the Election Law Article. Information on how to apply for and receive public funds is available on our Public Funding webpage

Campaign Finance Information

Email: [email protected]

Complaint Form

If you would like to file a complaint, please click here.