Campaign Finance

Campaign Finance Laws


The Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) is responsible for administering and enforcing Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 55, which discusses the campaign finance laws.


State Law requires an accounting of all money received or spent in the course of a political campaign for public inspection. It is the responsibility of all those participating in political campaign financing in Massachusetts to become knowledgeable with the provisions of the law and regulations, as violations of the law carry serious penalties of fines, imprisonment, or both.


City Council Candidate Requirements


As a City of Lowell City Council candidate, you are required to:

  • Contact OCPF prior to running in order to obtain details such as banking, assets, liabilities, etc.
  • File financial papers electronically with OCPF.
  • File a copy of financial papers with the City of Lowell Election and Census Commission.


Further information on campaign finance can be found through Lowell City Council Informational Video.


School Committee Candidate Requirements


As a City of Lowell School Committee candidate, you are required to file financial papers with the City of Lowell Election and Census Commission as follows:

  • 8 days before the City of Lowell Primary Election
  • 8 days before the City of Lowell Election
  • January 21st of each year


Further information on campaign finance can be found through the Lowell School Committee Informational Video.


View Campaign Finance Reports


For additional information, please visit OCPF's website here, or contact them at:

Office of Campaign & Political Finance


One Ashburton Place, Room 411

Boston, Massachusetts 02108

Phone: 617-727-8352

Alternate Phone: 800-462-OCPF (6273)