The Illinois Campaign Disclosure law differs from that in many states in which one set of forms is used by candidates, another by party committees, and a third by political action committees.

In Illinois the same forms are used for all types of political committees, which helps simplify what may at times seem like a complicated process.

The first form a candidate may see is the D-5 Notification of Obligation. This form is provided to all candidates for nomination, election or retention to public office at the time of petition filing. It advises the candidate of his filing obligations under the Illinois Campaign Financing Act.