Your web browser is not supported You're using Internet Explorer, some features might not work. Please switch to another browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for a better experience.


An official website of the United States government Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .gov**
            
            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
            
            A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Federal Election Commission | United States of America Calendar
           Glossary
          Search
              Search


Menu
      Home
      Campaign finance data
        All data
            Raising
            Spending
            Loans and debts
            Filings and reports
            Candidates
            Committees
            Bulk data
            Campaign finance statistics
        Find elections. Search by state or ZIP code
          Look up contributions from specific individuals
      Help for candidates and committees
        All compliance resources
            Guides
            Forms
            Dates and deadlines
            Trainings
        Learn about electronic filing
          Find and contact your committee's analyst
      Legal resources
        All legal resources
            Advisory opinions
            Enforcement
            Statutes
            Legislation
            Regulations
            Court cases
            Policy and other guidance
        Search across all legal resources
          Search guidance documents
      About
        All about the FEC
            News and announcements
            Commission meetings
            Mission and history
            Leadership and structure
            Reports about the FEC
            Careers
            Working with the FEC
            Contact
        Introduction to campaign finance and elections


- Home
- ›
        Legal resources
- ›
        Enforcing federal campaign finance law
- ›
      Complaints process

Complaints process Anyone can submit a complaint if they believe a violation of the law has occurred or is about to occur.
 Read next
      Documents on enforcement and compliance practices
 Overview
          
            Processing and resolution
          
            Publication
          
          
            Legal citations
 The requirements for submitting a complaint are set by law and outlined on our website.
      
      How to file a complaint with the FEC
      
      The Guidebook for Complainants and Respondents is a step-by-step guide through the Commission’s enforcement process.
      
      Guidebook for Complainants and Respondents on the FEC Enforcement Process (PDF | 1MB)
 Processing and resolution

  
  
    The Commission reviews every complaint on a case-by-case basis. If the Commission finds that a violation occurred, possible outcomes can range from a letter reiterating compliance obligations to a conciliation agreement, which may include a monetary civil penalty.By law, all FEC enforcement matters are kept confidential until they’re resolved.
 Publication

  
  
    The public has the right to know the outcome of any enforcement proceeding. Files for closed enforcement matters are available for review online or in-person at the Press Office and the Office of Public Records.

  
  
      


Icon of a magnifying glass
      
      
        Search closed enforcement matters
 Legal citations Statutes 52 U.S.C. §30109Enforcement
 Regulations 11 CFR 111Compliance procedures
 Advisory opinions AO 1994-32Complaints and confidentiality provisions AO 1995-01Respondents and confidentiality provisions
 Policy Statement regarding self-reporting of campaign finance violations (PDF | 2 MB) Statement regarding Commission action in matters at the initial stage in the enforcement process (PDF | 2 MB)


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.


About
          Careers
          Press
          Contact
   Privacy and security policy
          Plain language
          No FEAR Act
          Strategy, budget and performance
 Open government
          Protected Voices
          USA.gov
          Inspector General
          FOIA
 OpenFEC API
          GitHub repository
          Release notes
          FEC.gov status


Federal Election Commission
 The FEC's Twitter page
            The FEC's YouTube page Sign up for FECMail


Hide glossary Glossary Search terms