Common Legal Questions and Answers about MeetUp and Organizing on Your Own

Question:  Can I raise money for John Kerry at my MeetUp?

While the main purpose of the Kerry2004 MeetUp experience is not to raise money, you can definitely encourage those who ask about contributing to do so on the website.  They can also send a check to 519 C St., NE Washington, DC 20002.  You should NEVER collect cash contributions at your MeetUp or when you are tableing for John Kerry.  John Kerry does not accept cash contributions or money from Political Action Committees.

John Kerry for President Inc. does not endorse raising, nor will it accept any money raised, in any manner other than those approved by the campaign and in compliance with FEC regulations.

Question:  Can I raise money for expenses like printing signs, issue papers, etc at my MeetUp?

The short answer is no. 

Current Federal Election Law requires that we report where money came from and how it was spent if collected or used for a campaign event.  Any money you raise for independent expenditures must NOT be, in any way, connected to the John Kerry for President Campaign or any of the Kerry campaign events.  There must be no contact with anyone or anything related to the campaign; this includes staff, interns, or fundraising consultants when working to raise independent funds.

Question:  Will forming a PAC help the Kerry Campaign?

Again, the short answer is no.

John Kerry for President Inc. does not accept money from PACs. 

You can visit www.fec.gov in order to get more information on PACs and the laws surrounding them.

Question: Can I pass out the information available on the website to people in my community?

YES!!!  This is a great way to spread John Kerry’s message and allows you to take an active role in getting George W. Bush out of the White House. 

That being said, if you incur costs as a result of actions taken independently for John Kerry you may be subject to certain FEC regulations.  Information on your responsibility is available at www.fec.gov. 

Sections that may apply include:

• 11 C.F.R. section 110.11 (documentation of release information)
• 11 C.F.R. part 109 (independent expenditure information)
• 11 C.F.R. part 11 (information for labor unions and corporations)

Question:  Can I sell merchandise for John Kerry?

Anyone who sells campaign merchandise is subject to FEC regulations. 

Information on independent sales can be found at www.fec.gov.

John Kerry for President Inc. does not endorse nor encourage the selling of any campaign paraphernalia with the exception of merchandise available by contract with the campaign.

Question: Can I host a Fundraising Party for John Kerry?

Anyone who wants to host a party for John for the express purpose of raising money for the campaign should contact grassroots@johnkerry.com.

Question: Does the John Kerry for President campaign endorse the views expressed on any third party websites?

This site links to a number of other websites. Such links do not constitute or imply an endorsement of the linked site. Should you choose to visit those sites, please remember that John Kerry for President, Inc. is not responsible for the operation or content of any linked site or subsequent links from that site.