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      Public debates

Public debates Sponsorship A tax-exempt nonprofit organization (a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organization) that does not endorse, support, or oppose candidates or parties may stage candidate debates. Candidate debates may also be staged by a broadcaster, a bona fide newspaper, a magazine or other periodical publication as long as they are not owned or controlled by a political party, committee, or candidate. Corporate/labor donations permitted A corporation or labor organization may donate funds to a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that does not endorse, support, or oppose any candidate or party to defray the cost of staging a candidate debate. Debate structure The debate must include at least two candidates and must be structured so that it does not promote or advance one candidate over another. Candidate selection The organization staging the debate must select the candidates based on pre-established objective criteria. For primary elections, the organization may restrict candidates to those seeking the nomination of one party. For general elections, the staging organization may not use nomination by a particular party as the sole objective criterion.
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          Candidate or party appearances at corporation or labor organizationEvents and programs for candidates or party committees From the FEC Record FEC rules governing public debates (2010)
 Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 110.13 and 114.4(f)Candidate debates


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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