Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 24, June 14, 2024
Section 146-2-2 - Definitions2.1. "Campaign advertising or communication" means:2.1.1. a communication, whether written or oral, authorized by a candidate or a candidate's committee; and,2.1.2. for the express purpose of publicly advocating the nomination, election or defeat of a candidate.2.2. "Candidate for public office" means an individual:2.2.1. who has filed a pre-candidacy statement, pursuant to W. Va. Code '3-8-5e; or2.2.2. who has qualified to have his or her name listed on the ballot of any election; or2.2.3. who has declared his or her intention to seek nomination or election for any state, regional, county, municipal or district office which is to be filled at an election through a petition or write-in procedure.2.3. "Code" means the Code of Fair Campaign Practices, set forth in W. Va. Code '3-1B-5.2.4. "Commission" means the state election commission created pursuant to the applicable provisions of W. Va. Code '3-1A-1 et seq.2.5. "Political committee" means a committee organized by one or more individuals, corporations, associations, labor unions or organization, for the purpose of advocating or opposing the nomination or election of one or more candidates or the passage or defeat of one or more ballot issues.2.6. "Advisory opinion" means a written opinion issued by the commission in response to a written request for such an opinion on the issue of whether or not an action, or proposed action, of a subscribing candidate violates the Code of Fair Campaign Practices;2.7. "Subscribing candidate" means a candidate for public office who has voluntarily agreed to subscribe to, adhere to and endorse the Code of Fair Campaign Practices;2.8. "Automatic release" means a release by operation of law, pursuant to the applicable provisions of W. Va. Code '3-1B-9, from the campaign spending limitations when a subscribing candidate's opponent exceeds such campaign spending limitations.2.9. "Election officer" means the officer or official who receives the pre-candidacy filings made by individuals running for public office, and includes the Secretary of State, the Circuit Clerk, the County Clerk, and the Municipal Clerk or Recorder.