M.G.L. Chapter 52 regulates the process by which local political party committees are formed.  Ward and town committee members of each party are elected at the presidential primary by those who have voted in that particular party.  The members of the various ward committees of a political party in a city constitute the city committee.

Ward and town committee members hold office for a term of four years, ending on the thirtieth day following the date of the next presidential primary.  City and town committees determine the number of members of ward and town committees, which must be no less than three and not more than thirty five per committee.  Ward and town committees may also have associate members.  A change in residence or in party affiliation may cause an individual to cease being a member of a political party committee.

In addition to the information provided here, those interested in forming a local party committee should also consult with the appropriate state political party committee and with the Elections Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office for more information.

• A political party committee organized on the local level (ward, town or city) files copies of its organizational statements with OCPF, as well as with the local election official, Secretary of the Commonwealth and the applicable state party committee.
  
  
• Information to keep in mind when appointing your committee Treasurer.
  
  
• After OCPF receives the statement of organization, you will receive your CPF ID number and password to the Electronic Filing System (EFS).
  
  
• Download and install Reporter 4, OCPF's free reporting software.

• Your bank may ask you for a copy of your completed Statement of Organization form.
  
  
• You should contact the bank in advance for further information about the bank's requirements to open an account.  The campaign finance law does not have any special requirements about the type of account you open, but your bank may.  The bank will not have any campaign finance reporting requirements for your account.
  
  
• Many banks require committees to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a campaign account.  The IRS allows you to apply for an EIN online.
  
  
• Committees should also consult the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for information on any state tax requirements that may be applicable.
  
  
• Additional Help / Information:
  • OCPF Memorandum M-89-02: Information on obtaining a Federal ID number and filing tax returns for political committees.

• A local party committee must file disclosure reports with OCPF if, during a reporting period, any portion of its financial activity (receipts, expenditures, in-kind contributions, liabilities, or acquiring or disposing of assets) exceeds $100.  If a committee exceeds this threshold after not having filed for several periods, the report it files must include activity dating back to the last report filed.  In other words, it would include the periods during which its activity did not meet the reporting threshold.
  
  
• If your committee anticipates exceeding, or does exceed, the electronic filing threshhold, the committee will need to electronically file all of its campaign finance reports according to this reporting schedule.  If the committee does not exceed the e-filing threshold, the committee may still use the Reporter software to prepare and print its reports or it may download and complete Form CPF 102 WTC: Campaign finance report for ward, town and city party committees.  (Instructions).
  
  
• Committees must maintain detailed accounts of all contributions received and all expenditures made.  These records must be kept separate and distinct from any other accounts or records and must be preserved for 6 years from the relevant election.
  
  
• Additional Help / Information:
  • Campaign Finance Guide: Local Party Committees.
    
    
  • Contribution Limits Chart.
    
    
  • Public Employees and Campaigns: A Fact Sheet.