AO 2016-26: Green Party of Florida qualifies as state party committee
The Green Party of Florida qualifies as a state committee of a political party under the Federal Election Campaign Act (the Act).
Background
Under the Act and Commission regulations, a “state committee” is an organization that by virtue of the bylaws of a political party is part of the official party structure and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a political party at the state level, as determined by the Commission. 52 U.S.C. § 30101(15); 11 CFR 100.14(a). In order for an organization to qualify as a political party, the organization must nominate at least one candidate for federal office and that candidate’s name must appear on the ballot as the candidate for that organization.
Analysis
The Commission determined that the Green Party of Florida meets the three criteria essential to qualify as a state committee: (1) the Green Party of the United States (the GPUS) qualifies as a national political party; (2) Green Party of Florida is part of the official GPUS structure; and (3) Green Party of Florida is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the GPUS at the state level. See also Advisory Opinions (AOs) 2016-18 (Ohio Green Party), 2015-01 (Green-Rainbow Party), 2012-39 (Green Party of Virginia) and 2001-13 (GPUS).
Date issued: January 25, 2017; 4 pages
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