Opinion
September 13, 1916.
Staley Tobin [ Michael D. Reilly of counsel], for the appellants.
Egburt E. Woodbury, Attorney-General [ Edward G. Griffin, Deputy Attorney-General, of counsel], for the respondent.
Section 540 of the Election Law has defined the words "political committee" and has left nothing for inference as to their meaning. The expression is not limited to political committees as such. If we read the definition there given into section 546 of the Election Law, it is plain that where three or more persons co-operate to bring about the election or defeat of a candidate or a proposition at an election, and make any expenditures of money in so doing, they must make a report of their receipts and disbursements. The only exception to the rule is that it shall not apply "to or in respect of any committee or organization for the discussion or advancement of political questions or principles without connection with any election." The caption of article 20 of the act, "Corrupt Practices," indicates its purpose. It was intended to do away with the improper use of money with reference to elections by requiring publicity as to receipts and disbursements. The statute should have a liberal and fair interpretation in order to carry out its obvious intent. Concededly the defendants circulated literature seeking to defeat a proposition pending at the election for the amendment of the Constitution. It not only circulated its general literature, but referred to the election and asked the voters receiving the literature to attend at the polls and vote against the proposition. Clearly the expenditure for that purpose cannot be considered as "without connection with any election." The expenditures were made directly in connection with the election. It is not claimed that the appellant is required to report as to its general receipts and disbursements which are made in the prosecution of its ordinary affairs, but it must report, and, in the investigation of its expense, inquiry may be made with reference to any receipts and expenditures which entered into the campaign carried on by it to defeat the proposition. The order appealed from denied an application to dismiss the proceedings and ordered the inquiry contemplated by the statute to be heard at Special Term. The court will properly limit the inquiry within the act, and we need not, therefore, consider whether the order to show cause was too broad, or whether an examination conducted strictly according to its terms might not be beyond the provisions of the statute. I, therefore, favor an affirmance.
Order unanimously affirmed, with ten dollars costs and disbursements.