Candidates planning a run in election 2026 are being warned to mind their money — and their deadlines — as the Guam Election Commission rolls out a new fine schedule that allows penalties of up to $1,000 for late or improper campaign finance reports, and up to $5,000 for organizations that make illegal donations.

Candidates gearing up for Decision 2026 are being put on notice. The Guam Election Commission can now issue fines for late or improper campaign finance reporting, following recent changes to Guam law. 

GEC executive director Maria Pangelinan outlined the new enforcement rules during a Tuesday night commission meeting, noting this is the first time the agency has an official fine schedule in place.

Under the new rules, late financial reports can trigger daily fines ranging from $25 to $100, while reports that are not filed at all can result in penalties of up to $1,000. Filing false reports, using false donor names, or failing to keep required records also carry fines of up to $1,000.

Organizations such as banks, corporations, or labor groups that make improper political donations could face fines of up to $5,000, while candidates who accept those donations may be fined $1,000.

The fine schedule was established through legislation authored by election oversight chair Telo Taitague, passed earlier this month and signed into law by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.

In addition, candidates, parties, and political organizations must now file quarterly campaign finance reports — a change aimed at improving oversight and preventing the widespread late filings seen in past elections.

Candidate seminars on campaign finance reporting will begin in January, and filing for Decision 2026 opens February 23.