ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) – In Virginia, the public has access to campaign financial data and financial disclosure reports,. According to the Virginia Department of Elections this transparency ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
After a FOIA request, WHSV received information from the Rockingham County Director of Elections Lisa Gooden regarding a county school board member, Matt Cross’s campaign finance reports.
These reports are scheduled based upon the year; Non-election year, November General election year, May General election, Special Election, and other circumstances.
Schedules to submit reports are in place for candidates and their committee members, as well as civil penalties if the reports are not filed by the correct dates.
The Virginia Department of Elections adopted a schedule of civil penalties to follow when financial campaign reports are late.
- 1st Penalty for a Late Report: $100
- Subsequent Penalties in Same Election Cycle: $1,000
According to the Department of Elections, the committee Mathew Cross School Board District 3 2021 – CC – 00192, filed their most recent report on July 18th, 2025, which was after the reported deadline of July 15th, 2025.
Since October of 2021, the committee’s reports have been submitted past their deadlines. Two reminders were sent out before the due date of each of the reports.
With first and subsequent penalties occurring for Cross for not submitting the required campaign finance reports by deadline, there is now a total of $9,200 owed in penalties.
Cross did provide a statement to WHSV in response to the penalties he is facing.
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