November 22, 2005

Michigan’s campaign finance disclosure process ranks as the eighth best in the nation, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today.

The assessment comes from the Campaign Disclosure Project, which evaluates, grades and ranks the campaign laws and practices of all 50 states. This is the third year that this report, titled "Grading State Disclosure," has been issued.

"Disclosure of campaign contributions is essential to maintaining the integrity of our elections process," said Land. "It is the goal of this department to ensure full access to finance records in a timely manner. Our eighth-place ranking in this report confirms that we’re on the right track and meeting this goal."

Each state was assessed on its campaign disclosure laws, electronic filing programs, accessibility of campaign finance information and the usability of its disclosure Web sites.

Michigan received a top rating for its electronic filing system, a dramatic gain from 2003. In addition, the state was praised for the accessibility of the information contained on its Web site, maintaining its second-place ranking in this category.

"Grading State Disclosure" labeled Michigan’s contribution and expenditure database as a model for other states, citing the functionality of the database, its wide range of search options and the availability of data from the year 1997 forward. In addition, the report commended the Web site for supplying complete candidate lists, resources designed to help the public determine which candidates’ records are included on the site, and in-depth information about campaign finance restrictions and disclosure requirements.

The Project’s rating of Michigan’s campaign disclosure law remained unchanged. The Project also assessed the strengths and weaknesses of Michigan’s disclosure Web site.

"Many Michigan residents make use of this information and we will continue looking for more convenient and effective ways to present it," said Land.

The Project is a collaboration of the California Voter Foundation, the Center for Governmental Studies and the UCLA School of Law, and is supported by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Information about the Project and the 2005 report can be found at www.campaigndisclosure.org. Information about the Michigan Department of State is available at www.Michigan.gov/sos.