Numbered Memo 2012-04: Statement of Economic Interest (SEI) Requirements

Candidates for certain offices are required to file the Statement of Economic Interest (SEI) with the same Board of Elections where their candidacy is filed.

Author: Gary O. Bartlett, Executive Director

Candidates for certain offices are required to file the Statement of Economic Interest (SEI) with the same Board of Elections where their candidacy is filed. We have received a number of calls this week from various legislators as well as the State Ethics Commission indicating that candidates are being misinformed as it relates to the SEI process.

Each director and staff that is involved with the candidate filing process should review this memo and follow the instructions accordingly:

  • Who has to file the SEI at the County level?
    • 2012 Candidates for State Senate, State House and Clerk of Court only (various candidates at the State level are also required to file the SEI).
  • What needs to be filed?
    • A signed, original 2012 Statement of Economic Interest form that includes disclosure about the candidate and members of their immediate family.
  • When does the SEI have to be filed?
    • The SEI may be filed at the same time that the candidate files Notice of Candidacy, but it must be filed within 10 days of the close of the filing period (i.e., no later than March 12, 2012)
  • Where are SEls to be filed?
    • The SEI must be filed at the Board of Elections where the candidate files Notice of Candidacy.

Q&A

  • Where can I get the form that the candidate needs to file?
    • State Ethics [link no longer valid] or State Board of Elections: ncsbe.gov
  • Which SEI form is the candidate required to file?
    • The “No Change” Form or the long form:
      • 2012 SEI No Change Form. If the candidate filed a 2011 SEI and has had no changes since the 2011 filing, he/she may file the No Change Form (short form)
      • 2012 Long Form. If either of the following apply to the candidate, they are required to file the long form:
        • a. The Candidate filed the 2011 SEI but has had changes since that 2011 filing; or;
        • b. The Candidate is a first time SEI filer.
  • Do I keep the SEI once it has been filed at the County Board?
    • No, each original SEI that is filed at the county Board must be forwarded to the State Board within the week it is filed.
  • Who helps the candidate if there are questions about completing the form?
    • Candidates should be directed to the State Ethics Commission at (919) 715-2071 for questions related to completing the form.
  • May I instruct General Assembly and Clerk of Court candidates to file their SEls with the Ethics Commission or State Board?
    • No. SEls must be filed at the same location where that candidate’s Notice of Candidacy is filed.
  • Are SEls required to be notarized?
    • No. Only an original signature is required.
  • When should I mail the original SEls to the State Board?
    • Friday, Feb. 17; and 
      Friday, Feb. 25; and 
      Wednesday, Feb. 29; and
      On a daily basis after the close of filing

*All SEls must to be date stamped with the CBOE’s receipt date. The Ethics Commission has asked that you place your stamp on the cover page, somewhere other than the “for office use only” box.

Contact Terry Harris at (919) 715-9195 or terry.harris@ncsbe.gov if you have further questions about your responsibility as it pertains to Statements of Economic Interests.

↓ Statement of Economic Interest (SEI) Requirements: Numbered Memo 2012-04 (PDF)

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