July 5, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that late-contribution reports and certain other campaign-finance disclosure reports requiring immediate filing can now be submitted online, bringing greater convenience, accuracy and openness to the process.

The Immediate Disclosure Reporting program, or e-IDR, allows committees registered with the Department of State to electronically submit reports like late-contribution reports that must be filed within short time frames. Committees that are required to file all other reports online because they meet the $20,000 receipt/expenditure threshold must now use the e-IDR program.

"Technology plays a key role in modernizing Michigan’s elections," Land said. "Harnessing new capabilities makes our process more open and efficient. Giving filers an electronic option makes their lives easier. It also helps us get information out to the public much faster. Voters get the accessibility that they need while committees get the convenience that they deserve. A healthier election process means a stronger democracy, which is a goal we all share.

Benefits of e-IDR include:

• No costs to use the program.
• Eliminating paper copies of reports.
• The convenience of filing from home or the office.
• A built-in editing program that helps to ensure accuracy.
• A speedy, convenient system that reduces the risk of being penalized with late filing fees for reports requiring a short turn-around time.
• Receipt of an online verification that the filing is received, as well as an e-mail that includes a copy of the report that was filed. Users also can check the Department of State Web site at www.michigan.gov/sos to further confirm receipt of the filing.
• A secure system that uses the latest technology to transmit information over the Internet.

The program is ready to use simply by obtaining a password. No registration is required. To file a report or obtain a password, go to www.michigan.gov/sos and click on "Elections in Michigan." Then go to "Campaign Finance Disclosure," followed by "Electronic Filing and MERTS." Then click on "Immediate Disclosure Reports."

Filings are posted to the department Web site.

Reports covered by the program are:

• Late-contribution reports, which are filed by all committee types upon receiving late contributions.
• Special election independent expenditure reports, which are filed by political action committees.
• 24-hour receipts and expenditure reports filed by caucus committees.

The e-IDR program illustrates Land’s continued emphasis on using technology to provide better customer service. Land recently was named one of Government Technology magazine’s 2005 "Top 25 doers, dreamers and drivers" for advancing technology’s role in government and society.

Visit the department Web site at www.michigan.gov/sos for more information on Michigan elections, campaign finance reporting or Secretary of State services.