08 Feb 2023-2024 Illinois Political Contributions Limits: A Guide for Fundraisers

Posted at 15:40h in Illlinois Politics by

In the maze of campaign finance, Illinois stands as a labyrinth with its own set of rules, particularly when it comes to contribution limits. In this blog post, we provide an outline of Illinois’ contribution restrictions per election cycle, specifying the contribution limit for individuals and entities.

Illinois’ Unique Campaign Finance Laws

Illinois, a populous battleground for political contests, harbors extensive rules and regulations to uphold transparency and integrity in the electoral process. Campaign finance laws are part of the state’s concerted effort to curb potential corruption and undue influence. Understanding these laws can be the linchpin of a successful and unblemished campaign effort.

Illinois Contribution Limits for the 2023-2024 Election Cycle

The following are the contribution limits for individuals and entities in Illinois.

I. Candidate Political Committee

  1. $6,900 from an individual
  2. $13,700 from a corporation, labor organization or association
  3. $68,500 from a Candidate Political Committee or Political Action Committee
  4. No limits from a Political Party Committee except during an election cycle in which the candidate seeks nomination at a primary election
  5. During an election cycle in which the candidate seeks nomination at a primary election, a Political Party Committee may contribute:
    1. $274,200 to a candidate for statewide office
    2. $171,500 to a candidate for Senate, Supreme or Appellate Court in Cook County, or county-wide office in Cook County
    3. $102,900 to a candidate for House, Supreme or Appellate Court outside of Cook County, county-wide office outside Cook County, or local candidates within Cook County
    4. $68,500 to any other candidate
 

II. Political Party Committee

  1. $13,700 from an individual
  2. $27,400 from a corporation, labor organization or association
  3. $68,500 from a Political Action Committee
  4. No transfers permitted between Legislative Caucus Committees
  5. No limits on contributions from other Political Party Committees or Candidate Political Committees
  6. No limits on transfers between state Political Party Committee and federal Political Party Committee
 

III. Political Action Committee

  1. $13,700 from an individual
  2. $27,400 from a corporation, labor organization, association or Political Party Committee
  3. $68,500 from a Political Action Committee or Candidate Political Committee
 

IV. Ballot Initiative Committee

No limits from any source – cannot contribute to any other type of committee
 

V. Independent Expenditure Committee

No limits* from any source – cannot make direct contributions or coordinated expenditures
 
*Independent Expenditure committees established to support or oppose a candidate seeking nomination, election, or retention to the Supreme Court, the Appellate Court, or the Circuit Court may not accept contributions from any single source in a cumulative amount that exceeds $500,000 in any election cycle
 
10 ILCS 5/9-8.5(i) [adjusted] Contributions made through dues, levies, or similar assessments paid by any natural person, corporation, labor organization or association that exceed $1,100 in a quarterly reporting period must be itemized.

Election Cycles for Illinois Contribution Limits

Illinois’ contribution limits follow a strict election cycle structure, with each cycle lasting two years. The 2023-2024 election cycle began on January 1st, 2023 and will end on December 31st, 2024.

I. CANDIDATE POLITICAL COMMITTEE

  1. Support candidate to be elected at General Primary Election or General Election:
    1. Beginning January 1 following General Election for office to which candidate seeks nomination or election and ending on day of General Primary Election for that office, or
    2. Beginning day after a General Primary Election for the office to which the candidate seeks nomination or election through December 31 following the General Election for that office
  2. Support candidate to be elected at Consolidated Primary Election or Consolidated Election:
    1. Beginning July 1 following Consolidated Election for office to which candidate seeks election and ending on day of next Consolidated Primary Election for that office, or
    2. Beginning day after Consolidated Primary Election for office to which candidate seeks nomination or election and ending on June 30th following Consolidated Election held that year
  3. Support candidate for General Assembly:
    1. Beginning January 1 following a General Election and ending on day of next General Primary Election, or
    2. Beginning day after a General Primary Election and ending on December 31 following next General Election
  4. Support candidate for retention:
    1. Beginning January 1 following General Election when candidate was elected through day candidate files declaration or intent to seek retention, or
    2. Beginning day after candidate files declaration or intent to seek retention through December 31 following retention election
 

II. Political Party Committee

Beginning January 1 and ending on December 31 of each calendar year
 

III. Political Action Committee

Beginning January 1 and ending on December 31 of each calendar year
 

IV. Ballot Initiative Committee

Beginning January 1 and ending on December 31 of each calendar year
 

V. Independent Expenditure Committee

Beginning January 1 and ending on December 31 of each calendar year

Conclusion

These limits for the current election cycle are just one part of a larger framework in place to promote fair and ethical campaigning practices in Illinois. By setting boundaries for contributions and expenditures, the state aims to prevent any undue influence on the political process and ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to run for office.

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