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      Distributing publications to the restricted class for communications

Distributing publications to the restricted class for communications A corporation or labor organization may distribute publications to its restricted class on any subject. This includes publications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or a party’s candidate. (Note that publications containing express advocacy would be subject to the reporting requirements discussed on Corporation and labor organization communications to the restricted class.)
 Learn more about the rules for corporate/labor endorsements
 Coordination with candidate or political party The corporation or labor organization may discuss campaign issues at length with the candidate or political party; however, discussion concerning how to contour a communication for the benefit of the campaign would constitute coordination and may jeopardize the independence of future corporate/labor organization communications to individuals beyond the restricted class. Solicitation The publication may solicit contributions for a candidate or a party. The rules for soliciting contributions from the restricted class through a publication are the same as those for soliciting during a candidate appearance before the restricted class. Content The views communicated in the publication must be those of the corporation or labor organization and must not be a republication or reproduction of the candidate’s campaign materials including broadcasts and written or graphic materials. The corporation or labor organization may, however, use brief quotations from candidate materials and speeches that demonstrate the candidate’s position as part of the corporation’s or labor organization’s expression of its own views. Reporting When a corporation, labor organization, trade association or incorporated membership organization pays for express advocacy communications (including endorsements) that are directed to the restricted class, it (rather than the SSF) must report the payments on Form 7, once the payments exceed $2,000 for any election.
 Learn more about making and reporting communications to the restricted class
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          Events and programs for candidates or party committeesCoordinated communications by the SSFCorporation and labor organization communications to the restricted classEndorsing candidates Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 104.6Form and content of internal communications reports 11 CFR 109.21Definition of coordinated communication 11 CFR 114.2(c)Disbursements for communications 11 CFR 114.2(f)(4)(ii)Solicitation for candidate directed to restricted class 11 CFR 114.3(a) and (c)Disbursements for communications to the restricted class in connection with a Federal election; publications


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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