Campaign Finance Complaints

Campaign finance complaints may be received by the New Hanover County Board of Elections, but will ultimately be forwarded to the State Board of Elections for investigation. 

Statutory Authority
Under N.C. Gen Stat. 163-278.22(7) the State Board of Elections is charged with investigating any complaint filed under oath by a registered voter with respect to alleged violations of Article 22A through 22M of the General Statutes.  The Campaign Finance Division of the State Board of Elections investigates all complaints filed in this manner.  Any County Board of Elections that receives complaints of alleged violations of state campaign finance law is required to forward those complaints to the State Board of Elections for investigation.

How to File A Complaint
To file a complaint of alleged campaign finance violations by an individual, group, candidate or political committee you should provide a statement describing the alleged violation and all facts known to the New Hanover County Board of Elections in person or directly send the complaint to the Campaign Finance Division of the State Board of Elections.  As the complainant, you must provide any supplemental materials that will assist in the investigation of the complaint.  These materials become the property of the State Board of Elections and may not be returned to you.  The New Hanover County Board of Elections can make a copy of your complaint and materials prior to notarizing your oath and forwarding your materials to the State. 

Under Oath
Several staff members at the New Hanover County Board of Elections are notaries and can administer your oath.  Your oath is sufficient as long as it includes the following:
- the name of the person making the oath.
- your statement under oath as to the truth of the matters stated in the record.
- the date of the oath.
- the notary's signature.
- the notary's official seal.
- the notary's commission expiration date.

Filing Options
By appearing in person at the New Hanover County Board of Elections, you may have a complaint notarized and may have the complaint forwarded to the Campaign Finance Division of the State Board of Elections.  Alternatively, you may take the matter straight to the State Board of Elections; however, your statement must be under oath.

Resolution of Complaint
Due to the complexities of a campaign finance violation investigation, no timetable is provided by the State as to when an investigation will be completed.  Once the investigation is complete all interested persons are advised as to the outcome and any remedies that must take place to ensure compliance.

The New Hanover County Board of Elections office is located at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 180, Wilmington, NC 28403.  Hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.