The New York City Campaign Finance Board released new versions of its searchable database and campaign finance summaries, which are the primary online tools for public disclosure of campaign finance information for City campaigns.
Rules adopted by the CFB last year require the disclosure of independent expenditures in New York City elections. Now, the CFB's online disclosure tools include data about those independent expenditures for the first time.
The updated searchable database allows users to search independent expenditure data for City elections the same way they search for information about the candidates. A unified contribution search allows users to see contributions to candidates and independent spenders separately or together. Images or videos of independent expenditure communications are also available through the database.
A completely redesigned campaign finance summary will allow users to compare campaign spending and independent expenditures side-by-side. There are separate summaries showing candidates and independent expenditures for users to explore. As before, the summaries enable users to take a closer look at each candidate's campaign finances. In the campaign finance summary, new charts allow users to compare candidates in every race. The new summary page is also the gateway to detailed and complete information about independent spenders.
"Providing complete and convenient access to information about candidates and money in New York City elections is a central part of the Campaign Finance Board's mission," said Executive Director Amy Loprest. "With the elections just around the corner, we hope these improved online disclosure tools will help make more New Yorkers into better informed voters."
If you are interested in attending an information session about the new features, please email press@nyccfb.info or call (212) 306-7116 to reserve a spot. The 30-minute sessions will held today from 2 - 4 PM, Tuesday, July 30 from 10 AM - 12 PM, and Wednesday, July 31 from 10 AM - 12 PM.