Public commenter urges PDC to phase out 'mini' reporting; staff outlines conversion burden

Connor Edwards, a treasurer who addressed the commission during public comment, urged the Public Disclosure Commission to phase out the 'mini' reporting option, saying it allows a class of candidates to avoid filing C3 and C4 reports and leaves voters unable to see campaign funding sources. "Allowing a class of candidates to just simply not file any C3 or C4 reports goes against the most basic principles of transparency," Edwards said.

Staff responded with a data‑driven presentation. Nate Meyer, customer service and outreach manager, explained the mini‑to‑full conversion process typically takes about two to two‑and‑a‑half weeks and requires several hours of staff time per request; in the most recent cycle staff processed roughly 69 requests and estimated about 207 staff hours devoted to conversion tasks. Staff told commissioners that most mini filers remain small (under roughly $2,000 in activity) but that conversion requests do create administrative and enforcement burdens, particularly when applications are incomplete.

Commission discussion focused on potential responses: stronger pre‑election communications, two‑stage deadlines (initiate by a date and complete by an earlier cutoff), stricter enforcement of completeness rules, and targeted rulemaking if the commission wishes to change the option’s availability. Commissioners also noted equity concerns—some filers lack online skills or resources—and weighed those concerns against Edwards' transparency argument. Staff said they will return with suggested rule or process changes if the commission directs further action.

No regulatory change was adopted at the Dec. 11 meeting; staff framed the presentation as informational and requested direction on whether to pursue future rulemaking.