Filing campaign finance complaints

Preparing to file a complaint

Before submitting a complaint, be sure to review the following: 

• Information and instructions on this page
• City's campaign finance webpage
• Important campaign finance resources
• City's campaign finance regulations 

Where to submit complaints

Go to online campaign finance complaint form

What to include in complaints

1. Name and contact information of person submitting complaint - The Auditor's Office is unable to accept anonymous complaints. However, complainants may request to keep information confidential.
    
2. Specific allegations and supporting documentation - The Auditor's Office accepts the following types of campaign finance complaints:
    
   • Political Communication Disclosure Violations (City Code Section 2.10.030)
     Required disclosures were not included on communication related to a City candidate election.
      
   • Contribution Violations (City Code Section 2.10.010)
     A contribution was given or received beyond the City's contribution limits.
      
   • ORESTAR Registration Violations (City Code Subsection 2.10.020 B.)
     An independent spender failed to register as a political committee in ORESTAR within the required timeframe.
      
   • Payroll Deduction Violations (City Code Subsection 2.10.010 C.)
     An employee was not allowed to make campaign contributions via payroll deduction.
      
   • Small Donor Elections Program Violations* (City Code Section 2.10.040)
     Prohibited funds were received by a candidate participating in the City's public campaign financing program.
     
     *The Small Donor Elections program (formerly known as the Open and Accountable Elections Program or OAE) is separate from the City Elections Office. To file a complaint directly with this program, contact SmallDonorElections@portlandoregon.gov. 

Timeline for investigations

1. Complaint Notice
   Issued to the complaint subjects within two business days of receipt of complaint.
    
2. Material Submission Period
   Relevant documentation may be submitted for a period of 10 business days.*
    
3. Determination Released
   The Auditor's Office will issue a decision within 10 business days* after the material submission period.
    
4. Publication
   Recently completed investigations (complaints, responses, and determinations) are publicly posted through our enforcement webpage.

*If the Auditor's Office receives or issues a complaint within 30 calendar days of an election, both the material submission period and determination release date are reduced to five business days.