a story from the San Mateo Daily Journal that was published on 1/13/2016
Kudos to the Elections Office for their new online e-filing system for campaign disclosure forms! (my comment)
A Web-based electronic filing and reporting system for campaign finance disclosure forms was announced by Mark Church, chief elections officer and Warren Slocum, president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.
The county has partnered with NetFile, an industry leader in paperless e-filing systems, to implement the new program. Candidates and committees may begin electronically filing their campaign disclosure forms immediately, according to Church’s office.
State law requires candidates and those supporting or opposing ballot measures to create a campaign committee and file campaign finance disclosure forms with the county and state. Assembly Bill 2452, which went into effect January 1, 2013, provides local jurisdictions with the option to eliminate the paper filing requirement for campaign statements and replace it with an electronic filing system.
With the implementation of an electronic filing system, committees will have the option to file their required campaign disclosure forms online. Once submitted, these documents will be immediately posted, in redacted form, on NetFile Inc., netfile.com/Filer, which can also be accessed on the Registration and Elections Division website shapethefuture.org for public viewing.
As a sidenote, I think this is a step in the right direction when we provide public access to campaign information and are transparent about all aspects of the conduct of an election. It builds trust and confidence.