The Marshall County Election Board held two public hearings during their meeting Wednesday, December 20.
Ginny Bess Munroe and Friends of Culver were both fined nominal fees of $50 each for filing late Campaign Finance Reports.
Munroe requested that the board consider certified mail as a method of notification as opposed to email which can be unreliable. She also requested that the board provide education materials in the candidate packet to further detail important dates and processes. She also recommended that the board establish clear policies with a defined process for how they will govern late campaign finance report filings and other such responsibilities in the future.
President Ralph “Rick” Huff apologized for the issuance of a fine prior to holding a public hearing initially. That decision was rescinded. The public hearings were scheduled. Apart from that oversight the process complied with State Statute.
All parties at the meeting agreed that there was no nefarious intent by the Election Board in their handling of the situation or by the candidates who filed late. It was also noted that a late filing is a civil issue – not criminal.
2023 Year-End Campaign Finance Reports are due by January 17, 2024 at 12 p.m. (noon). January 10th is the first day to file for candidacy. The deadline to file for candidacy in the Primary Election is February 9th, 2024 at 12 p.m. (noon).
