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        Introduction to campaign finance and elections


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      Introduction to campaign finance and elections

Introduction to campaign finance and elections The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent regulatory agency established in 1975 to administer and enforce the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (the Act). The FEC has jurisdiction over the financing of campaigns for the U.S. House, Senate, Presidency and the Vice Presidency. The FEC’s mission is to protect the integrity of the federal campaign finance process by providing transparency and fairly enforcing and administering federal campaign finance laws. While the FEC administers the federal campaign finance laws, it has no jurisdiction over the laws relating to voting, voter fraud and intimidation, ballot access or election results. This page was created for members of the public who want to: Explore options for supporting federal candidatesResearch the FEC's campaign finance dataLearn how the FEC enforces the campaign finance lawLocate specific voting or election information
 Understanding ways to support federal candidates
          
            Researching campaign finance data
          
            Enforcing the federal campaign finance law
          
            Election and voting information
          
            Election Results
          
            Other federal and state resources
          
            Contact the FEC for assistance
 Understanding ways to support federal candidates

  
  
    There are a number of activities that individuals and groups may engage in to support federal candidates. Common activities include directly contributing to a candidate and their campaign committee, volunteering on behalf of a candidate, producing public communications such as independent expenditures, and using a computer or digital device for campaign activity.
      
      Get more information on understanding ways to support federal candidates
      
      More information on permissible and prohibited contributions
 Researching campaign finance data

  
  
    The Act and Commission regulations require federal political committees to file periodic campaign finance reports disclosing their receipts and disbursements. As part of those reports, committees must list the name, address, occupation and employer for each individual contributor who gives more than $200 to the campaign during an election cycle (or calendar year for PACs and party committees).The Act also requires the FEC to make campaign finance disclosure reports available to the public, including on its website, within 48 hours of receipt.
      
      Learn more about how to research public records
      
      Access campaign finance documents
      
      While campaign finance reports filed with the FEC are available to the public, the Act prohibits using individual contributor information contained in the reports for soliciting contributions (including any political or charitable contributions), or for any commercial purpose.
      
      Learn more about the sale or use of contributor information restrictions
 Enforcing the federal campaign finance law

  
  
    The FEC has exclusive jurisdiction over the civil enforcement of the federal campaign finance law. Enforcement cases can come from audits, complaints, referrals from other government agencies or self-submissions. Anyone can submit a complaint if they believe a violation of the law has occurred or is about to occur.
      
      How to file a complaint with the FEC
      
      Enforcement cases are primarily handled by the Office of General Counsel and are known as Matters Under Review (MURs). However, some matters may be resolved through the Commission’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. The Administrative Fine Program is used to assess penalties for late and non-filed reports.While ongoing enforcement actions must remain confidential, redacted files for closed enforcement matters are made available to the public within 30 days after the parties involved have been notified that the entire matter has been closed.
      
      Search closed enforcement cases
 Election and voting information

  
  
    State law governs voter registration and polling place accessibility. The best resource for questions about voter registration and polling locations and hours is your local board of elections.
      
      Access timely and useful information for voters
      
      The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is a federal government agency that serves as a national clearinghouse of information about election administration. It offers numerous resources for assisting voters.U.S. Election Assistance Commission866-747-1471 (toll free)301-563-3919https://www.eac.gov/contact/
 Election Results

  
  
    The FEC publishes Federal Elections, a biennial compilation of official, certified federal election results obtained from each state's election office and other official sources. These publications include primary, runoff and general election results for the Senate, the House of Representatives and (when applicable) the President.
      
      Look up election results and voting information
 Other federal and state resources

  
  
    As previously stated, the FEC administers the federal campaign finance laws, but has no jurisdiction over the laws relating to ballot access for candidates, voter fraud and intimidation, ballot access, or the Electoral College. For the convenience of voters and candidates, the appropriate federal or state agency to contact is listed on this page.Ballot accessState laws and procedures govern how candidates come to appear on election ballots. For information, individuals should contact the chief election official in their state.
      
      Find contact information and links to the elections offices
      
      Reporting suspected voter intimidation or fraudIf you want to report voter intimidation or fraud, please contact your state's main election office.
      
      Learn where to report voter fraud or voter registration fraud in your state
      
      The Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice enforces the civil provisions of the federal laws that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act and the Civil Rights Acts.If you want to report a possible violation of federal voting laws, please fill out the U.S. Department of Justice’s Election Complaint Report.Voting Section of the U.S. Department of Justice800-253-3931202-307-2767voting.section@usdoj.govElectoral CollegeThe FEC has no jurisdiction over the Electoral College. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the federal agency responsible for coordinating activities of States and Congress regarding the Electoral College vote for President.Send questions to electoral_college@nara.gov.
      
      Visit the Electoral College home page
 Contact the FEC for assistance

  
  
    Contact
      
      Telephone Inquiries: (800) 424-9530 or (202) 694-1000Email: info@fec.govHeadquarters Address: 1050 First Street, NEWashington, DC 20002


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This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public. The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.


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