Donate up to $100 to state candidates by December 31… and get it back

Adapted From the Minneapolis Labor Review, December 22, 2017

ST. PAUL — If you make a political contribution to a candidate for state office by December 31, 2017, the State of Minnesota will refund it to you.

Minnesota’s Political Contribution Refund program has been restored and that means the state will refund up to $50 in political contributions from an individual and up to $100 in political contributions from a married couple.

The Political Contribution Refund is available for contributions made on or after July 1, 2017. The program encourages small donations.

You may be eligible to receive a refund for donations to:
• candidates for the Minnesota House of Representatives;
• candidates for Minnesota Senate
• candidates for Minnesota’s statewide constitutional offices: governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor
• Minnesota political parties or political party units (e.g. city, county, legislative or congressional district)

Participating state candidates must agree to spending limits and financial reports. In return, they receive public subsidies for their campaign.

“It’s a proven way to enable people who don’t have a lot of rich friends to run for office and serve their community,” said State Representative Diane Loeffler. She added, “it’s a powerful way to strengthen democracy and better connect it to the people represented.”

Applications for refunds for 2017 political contributions must be filed by April 16, 2018. You must include copies of receipts for your contributions.

For more information, visit http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/individuals/individ_income/Pages/Refund_for_Political_Contribution.aspx