AUGUSTA (AP) — Mainers who throw campaign house parties will face stricter disclosure rules following a state ethics board decision.
The board’s efforts followed complaints raised over whether a large batch of invitations announcing a Portland Democrat’s house parties amounted to undisclosed contributions lacking transparency.
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices on Wednesday approved a rule that says volunteers for Maine candidates can’t spend more than $250 on invitations, foods and beverages per election. The rule also says only volunteers who host house parties on their property can pay for invitations.
The rule clarifies the line between traditional grassroots activities and large-scale campaigns, said Robert Howe of Maine Citizens for Clean Elections.
Following legal review, the amendment will go to the Secretary of State to become effective for November’s election.
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