Training FAQs

Mandatory Judicial Campaign Ethics Training

 

Who must take the training?

The training requirement applies to "all candidates for elective judicial office in the Unified Court System except for town and village justices." 22 NYCRR 100.5(A)(4)(f). It applies equally to "[a] judge or a non-judge." 22 NYCRR 100.5(A)(4).

A candidate who fails to complete the training at all, or fails to complete it in a timely manner, will be subject to discipline.

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When must I complete the training?

22 NYCRR 100.5(A)(4)(f) provides that all judge and non-judge candidates for elective judicial office “shall complete a campaign ethics education program developed or approved by the Chief Administrator or his or her designee within 30 days after the candidate makes a public announcement of candidacy, files a designating petition with the Board of Elections, receives a nomination for judicial office, or authorizes solicitation or acceptance of contributions whichever is earliest. Written proof of compliance must be filed with the Judicial Campaign Ethics Center within 14 days of completing the training, unless the candidate is granted a waiver of this requirement for good cause shown.”

For candidates running in a primary election, the date of nomination is defined as “the date upon which the candidate files a designating petition with the Board of Elections” (id.)

If you are not certain when your 30-day time limit begins to run, please ask the JCEC for guidance on your specific circumstances.

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What if I believe that my time to take the training has expired?

Candidates should endeavor to complete the training as soon as possible, and should contact the JCEC promptly at 1-888-600-5232 if they encounter difficulties in doing so.

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How can I complete the training?

Online Training Video. In most cases, candidates must watch the training video online and fax in their completed affirmation form.

Please call the JCEC at 1-888-600-5232 to register and request access to the video. Candidates will receive an email containing a link to the course materials and affirmation. Candidates must complete this affirmation (including the two-part code contained in the video) and return it in order to receive credit for the training.

"Fast-Track" Program. If you completed the full 2-hour training program last year and are running again for judicial office this year, you may be eligible for the internet-based "fast-track" program.

Please call the JCEC at 1-888-600-5232 for more information and to register.

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I am running for a town or village justice position. May I take the training?

We believe all candidates for elective judicial office in New York will benefit from a greater understanding of the campaign ethics rules. Town and village justice candidates are welcome to watch the video, although the training is not required for them.

Please contact the JCEC at 1-888-600-5232 for more information or to register.

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May key campaign staff take the training?

The candidate’s staff may not take the training in lieu of the candidate. All candidates must personally complete a training session.

That said, we believe judicial candidates' campaign staff will benefit from a greater understanding of the campaign ethics rules. Thus, campaign staff are welcome to watch the video, although this will not satisfy the candidate's training requirement.

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Must I re-take the course this year if I saw it last year?

Each judicial candidate must complete one training program per election cycle. The training materials are updated regularly to reflect rule changes, new opinions and other matters relevant to judicial campaigns. Attending the training in one election cycle does not satisfy the requirement for another election cycle.

However, if you completed the full two-hour training program last year and are running again this year, please contact the JCEC at 1-888-600-5232 and ask if you are eligible for the "Fast-Track" Program for repeat candidates (described below).

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What is the "Fast-Track" Program?

Under this internet-based program, repeat candidates who completed the training last year will not need to watch the training video two years in a row. Instead, on request, they will be given access to a password-protected page on the JCEC web site which contains instructions and materials. They must review certain specified campaign ethics opinions, take and pass a short quiz on selected judicial campaign ethics topics, and affirm that they have reviewed the specified opinions.

If you wish to participate in this "Fast-Track" Program, you must call the JCEC to confirm your eligibility and to register. Candidates who fail to meet all the requirements under the Fast-Track Program must watch the training video to complete the training requirement.

Please contact the JCEC at 1-888-600-5232 for more information.

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