Tip of the Week Archive

Campaign Finance Resources: Sources of information and data  compiled by Kent Redfield.

Kent Redfield
kredf1@uis.edu
217-971-8691
Illinois statewide and legislative elections
Private campaign contribution and expenditure databases – 2000 – 2018
State board of election data with value added through standardization and coding

Illinois Election Data– Scott Kennedy
https://illinoiselectiondata.com/
Best source of current and historical Illinois election data – open access and subscription data
Developing a strong campaign finance data presence – Tracks targeted legislative races

Illinois State Board of Elections
http://www.elections.il.gov/  More  
Searchable and downloadable data base of campaign contributions (1994 to present) and campaign expenditures (2000 to present)
No value added – providing access to electronic public documents
Downloadable election data for primary and general election by candidate,

Get the Sqoop!   With a hat tip to both Ren LaForme and Samantha Sunne, this site offers a way to search court records, business filings and other documents.   It also allows you to set it up to alert you to new documents of interest.  While there is a subscription fee usually attached to it,  More  

When researching a story, academic research can provide you with data and findings that can help you with a story.   The helpful  folks at Journalist’s Resource have a list of seven ways to get your eyes on research that is sometimes behind a paywall.

As the they mention,  More  

Associated Press Political Writer John O’Connor is an expert at using FOIA to obtain documents for scoops and added depth to his reporting.  He spoke to the Illinois News Broadcasters Association convention over the weekend.    He has advice for those who would like to do more of this type of reporting.   More  

Harvard’s Shorenstein Center released a good tip sheet on covering issues of poverty.   The recent edition of Journalist’s Resource featured both tips on getting it right and what to avoid.

We are about two months away from election day.   A resource available with a couple of clicks will let you keep track on spending in your area State legislative races. Donations of $1,000 or more are required to be reported within five days.

Keep tabs on the spending.  More  

When Illinois’ high court releases opinions, you have as quick of access to them as anyone else.    The Court last week released more than 15 opinions.   Usually there are fewer releases at one time.   If you take the time to review these, you can find stories than can be of either regional or statewide interest.   More