Enforcement-Campaign Finance

All campaign financial statements are available for public inspection, either at the Registry of Election Finance, for state elections, or the county election commission for local elections. T.C.A. §§ 2-10-206, 2-10-103. The county election commission is required to notify the state election commission and the Registry of Election Finance of each local election held in the county. Each time that campaign statements are due in a local election, the county election commission is required to file a report with the registry certifying that all candidates have filed timely or provide a list of all who have failed to report timely. T.C.A. §2-10-111. The registry may impose a civil penalty of not more than $25 per day up to a maximum of $750 for late filings. Notice of a failure to file is required to be sent to candidates who did not timely file. A failure to file a report within 35 days after receiving such notice is considered a class 2 offense and punishable by a maximum civil penalty of not more than $10,000. T.C.A. § 2-10-110. Any registered voter who believes information has been omitted or misstated may file a sworn complaint with the Registry of Election Finance (state elections) or the district attorney general where the voter resides (local elections). However, anyone who knowingly files a false complaint or one for harassment purposes is liable for civil penalties and attorney's fees. T.C.A. § 2-10-108. The Registry of Election Finance or the district attorney general is responsible for investigating complaints and seeking injunctions to enforce these provisions. T.C.A. § 2-10-109.