When running for a national office, what do candidates have to do within 15 days of raising $5,000 in campaign funds?(1 point)

Responses

submit signatures to the appropriate state office that they have collected
submit signatures to the appropriate state office that they have collected

prove that they meet the age and residency requirements of the office
prove that they meet the age and residency requirements of the office

collect endorsements of current members of Congress
collect endorsements of current members of Congress

file a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission

file a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission

File a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission.

To answer this question, we need to understand the rules and regulations surrounding campaign finance for national offices. Candidates running for a national office, such as President or Congress, need to comply with the guidelines set by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Within 15 days of raising $5,000 in campaign funds, candidates are required to file a statement of candidacy with the FEC. This is a formal declaration of their intent to run for office and signifies that they are now considered officially running for the office they seek.

The purpose of this requirement is to provide transparency and accountability in the campaign finance process. By filing a statement of candidacy, candidates inform the FEC about their campaign, including details about their fundraising activities and intended office.

To fulfill this requirement, candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the website of the Federal Election Commission (https://www.fec.gov/) to access the necessary forms and instructions.

2. Download and complete Form 2, which is the Statement of Candidacy. This form includes information such as the candidate's name, contact details, party affiliation, and the office they are seeking.

3. Ensure that all information provided on the form is accurate and up-to-date. It is essential to meet the eligibility requirements for the office, such as age and residency, as specified by the relevant laws and regulations.

4. After completing the form, submit it to the Federal Election Commission within 15 days of raising $5,000 in campaign funds. The submission can be made electronically through the FEC's online filing system or by mail.

5. Keep a copy of the filed statement of candidacy for your records. It is recommended to maintain all campaign finance documentation for future reference and compliance.

By fulfilling this requirement, candidates demonstrate their commitment to transparency and adhere to the campaign finance regulations enforced by the FEC. It allows the public to have access to information about the candidates and their fundraising activities during the election process.