Once you've decided to run for office or form your own PAC, you can get your candidacy or PAC registered at the Oregon Secretary of State office.

The candidate and/or treasurer of a candidate committee is legally responsible for:

• A dedicated campaign bank account in an Oregon financial institution for depositing contributions and making expenditures;

• Signing and filing a Statement of Organization;

• Attesting to and filing transactions;

• Keeping detailed financial records current to within seven business days after the date of receiving a contribution or making an expenditure;

• Preserving records as described in “Retention of Records” in the Oregon Campaign Finance Manual

The treasurer of a political action committee is personally responsible for carrying out their duties and is personally liable should they fail to perform any required duties.

The treasurer of record (i.e., the treasurer listed on the Statement of Organization at the time a transaction is due) is legally responsible for these duties until an amended Statement of Organization is filed appointing a new treasurer.

To form a Political Action Committee (PAC), at least two individuals or a “person” other than an individual – person includes but is not limited to corporations, clubs and associations – receives a contribution or makes an expenditure for the purpose of supporting candidate(s), measure(s) or a political party.

Oregon state law requires candidates to establish candidate committees prior to or within three days of spending or receiving donations of $750.

Candidate, Measure and Misc committees are established by registering the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division. Your political action committee is required to track and report all donations and expenses using the state’s website Orestar.

Hiring a good political consultant is usually the first step. See above resources for a list of recommended consultants.

Depending on what you want to do, connecting with a reputable political consultant can be a great place to start. Find a consultant.