Quick Answers to Common Questions

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions. If you don't find an answer to your question here, please contact the FEC's Information Division, toll free at 800-424-9530 or by e-mail at info@fec.gov.

General Questions:

What does the FEC do?
How do I register to vote?
How much can I contribute?
Can non-US citizens contribute?
What are some other ways I can support a candidate?
What disclaimers must appear in political ads and mailings?
Where can I learn about the McCain-Feingold law?
What is a 527 organization?
Are there restrictions on political activity by churches and other charitable organizations?
What are the rules for activity conducted on the Internet?

Disclosure Questions:

How can I find out who contributed to my Representative or Senator?
Can the names and addresses on FEC reports be used to develop a commercial mailing list?
How often are FEC databases updated?
How can I get historical data; i.e., reports filed prior to 1993?

Compliance Questions:

How do I file a complaint?
What penalties can the FEC impose for violations of the law?
What is the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program?
What is the Administrative Fine Program?
What is a MUR?
How can my committee protect itself against embezzlement or misappropriation?
What should I do if my committee’s funds have been embezzled?

Filing Questions:

When is my next report due?
Where do I get forms?
Where do I send my forms?
What happens if I file my report late?
Can I get a filing extension?
Do I need to file electronically?

Candidate Questions:

How do I register as a candidate for federal office?
How do I get my name on the ballot?
When do I need to report my campaign finance information?
Do I need to disclose my personal financial information?
What restrictions apply to funds raised for a recount?

PAC Questions:

What is a political action committee?
How do I start a PAC that is connected to a corporation, trade association or labor organization?
How do I start a nonconnected PAC?
When do I need to report my PAC's receipts and disbursements?

Party Questions:

When does my party committee need to register with the FEC?
How does a committee qualify as a state or national party committee?
Must a local party coordinate its activities with the state party?
Do I need to file monthly or can I just file quarterly?
What are the coordinated party expenditure limits?
When are the federal election activity periods for my state?

Public Funding Questions:

What is the public funding program?
Who is eligible for public funding?
How much money do the participants get?
Where does the money come from?
What happens if there isn't enough money to fund the program?
What are the spending limits for Presidential candidates who accept public funds?

What’s New

Library

FOIA

USA.gov

Privacy

Links

eFiling

Inspector General

No Fear Act

Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20463 (800) 424-9530 In Washington (202) 694-1000
For the hearing impaired, TTY (202) 219-3336 Send comments and suggestions about this site to the web manager.