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Federal Election Commission | United States of America
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Introduction to campaign finance and elections
Federal Election Commission | United States of America
PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE PROCESS
More about the FEC
* PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MAP
Search presidential data such as money raised, money spent, cash on hand and
debt.
* HELP FOR CANDIDATES AND COMMITTEES
Help for individuals and groups who are active in federal elections.
* RESEARCH LEGAL RESOURCES
Explore relevant statutes, regulations, Commission actions and court cases.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
All news
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Commission transmits 2023 legislative recommendations
* Tips for Treasurers
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* Press release
Sean J. Cooksey elected Chairman, Ellen L. Weintraub elected Vice Chair for
2024
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Week of December 25 – 29, 2023
EVENTS AND DEADLINES
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January 11 | Open Meeting
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January 31 | Year-End Report Due
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Learn more about using the FEC's campaign finance data
Find election results and voting information
WHO IS RAISING AND SPENDING THE MOST
Learn how much individual candidates have raised and spent for presidential,
Senate and House elections.
Candidate
Total raised
TRUMP, DONALD J. [REP]
$60,523,078.17
BIDEN, JOSEPH R JR [DEM]
$56,760,363.02
DESANTIS, RON [REP]
$31,647,462.11
* Browse top raising candidates
Data type
Money raised Money spent
How much has been raised by Presidential candidates Senate candidates House
candidates
Submit
Running in 2028 2026 2024 2022 2020 2018 2016 2014 2012 2010 2008 2006 2004 2002
2000 1998 1996 1994 1992 1990 1988 1986 1984 1982 1980
Submit
COMMISSIONERS
Dara Lindenbaum
Chair
Democrat
Sean J. Cooksey
Vice Chairman
Republican
Shana M. Broussard
Democrat
Allen Dickerson
Republican
James E. "Trey" Trainor III
Republican
Ellen L. Weintraub
Democrat
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Hide glossary
GLOSSARY
Search terms Examples: receipt; Hybrid PAC
* Act
The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C.
§§30101-30146). 11 CFR 100.18. Prior to September 1, 2014, the Act appeared
in Title 2 of the U.S. Code. Sometimes abbreviated FECA.
* Adapted disclaimer
A clear statement that the internet public communication is paid for, and
that identifies the person or persons who paid for the internet public
communication using their full name or a commonly understood abbreviation or
acronym by which the person or persons are known, which is accompanied by: an
indicator and a mechanism. It must satisfy the requirements of 11 CFR
110.11(c)(1), (c)(5)(ii) and (iii).
* Administrative expense
For party committees, rent, utilities, office equipment, office supplies,
routine building maintenance and other operating costs not attributable to a
specific candidate.
* Administrative termination
Administrative termination is the action taken by the Commission to terminate
the reporting obligations of political committees that appear to be inactive
in accordance with 52 U.S.C. 30103(d)(2) and 11 CFR 102.4. Administrative
termination does not relieve a committee of any legal responsibility for the
payment of any outstanding debt or obligations.
* Advance
The payment by an individual from his or her personal funds, including a
personal credit card, for the costs incurred in providing goods or services
to, or obtaining goods or services that are used by or on behalf of, a
candidate or a political committee. See 11 CFR 116.5.
* Advisory opinion (AO)
A formal response from the Commission regarding the legality of a specific
activity proposed in an advisory opinion request (AOR). 11 CFR Part 112.
* Affiliated committees
Committees and organizations that are considered one committee for purposes
of the contribution limits. 11 CFR 110.3(a)(1). Affiliated committees include
(1) All committees established or authorized by a candidate as part of his or
her campaign for federal or nonfederal office; and (2) All committees
established, financed, maintained or controlled by the same person, group or
organization. 11 CFR 100.5(g)(1) and (2); 11 CFR 110.3(a)(1).
* Agent (of a candidate)
An agent of a federal candidate or officeholder is any person who has actual
authority, either express or implied, to engage in any of the following
activities on behalf of the candidate or officeholder:
* To solicit, receive, direct, transfer or spend funds in connection with
any election.
* To request or suggest that a communication be created, produced or
distributed;
* To make or authorize a communication that meets one or more of the
“content standards” for coordination;
* To request or suggest that any other person create, produce, or distribute
any communication;
* To be materially involved in decisions regarding the content, intended
audience, means, media outlet, timing, frequency, size, prominence or
duration of a communication;
* To provide material or information to assist another person in the
creation, production or distribution of any communication; or
* To make or direct a communication that is created, produced or distributed
with the use of material or information derived from a substantial
discussion about the communication with a different candidate;
11 CFR 109.3(b) and 300.2(b)(3).
* Agent (of a party)
An agent is any person who has actual authority, either expressed or implied,
to engage in certain activities on behalf of the committee. In the case of
state, district and local party committees, these activities are:
* Expending or disbursing any funds for federal election activity;
* Transferring or accepting transfers of funds for federal election
activity;
* Engaging in joint fundraising activity if any part of the funds are to be
used for federal election activity; or
* Soliciting any funds for, or making or directing any donations to, any
tax-exempt 501(c) organization or 527 organization that is not also a
political committee, a party committee or an authorized campaign
committee.
11 CFR 300.2(b)(2).
In the case of the national party committees, these activities are:
* Soliciting, directing or receiving a contribution, donation or transfer of
funds; or
* Soliciting any funds for, or making or directing donations to, any
tax-exempt 501(c) organization or 527 organization that is not also a
political committee, a party committee or an authorized campaign
committee.
11 CFR 300.2(b)(1).
In the case of communications, for all party committees, the activities
include:
* Requesting or suggesting that a communication be created, produced or
distributed;
* Creating, producing or distributing any communication at the request of a
candidate; or
* Being materially involved in the content or distribution of a
communication.
11 CFR 109.3(a).
* Allocation account
A separate federal account into which funds from either a committee’s federal
and nonfederal accounts, or (for party committees) from its federal and Levin
accounts, are deposited solely to pay expenses that must be allocated. (A
party committee must have separate allocation accounts for its
federal/nonfederal allocation and for its federal/Levin allocation). 11 CFR
106.7(f) and 300.33(d).
* Authorized committee
A political committee that has been authorized by a candidate to accept
contributions or make expenditures on his or her behalf, or one that accepts
contributions or makes expenditures on behalf of a candidate and has not been
disavowed by the candidate.
* Bundled contribution
A contribution forwarded to a reporting committee by a lobbyist/registrant or
lobbyist/registrant PAC, or received by a reporting committee and credited to
a lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC. See 11 CFR 104.22(a)(6).
* Campaign traveler
Any candidate traveling in connection with an election for federal office, or
any individual traveling in connection with an election for federal office on
behalf of a candidate or political committee; or any member of the news media
traveling with a candidate. 11 CFR 100.93(a)(3)(i).
* Candidate
An individual seeking nomination for election, or reelection, to a federal
office becomes a candidate when he or she (or persons working on his or her
behalf) receives contributions or makes expenditures that exceed $5,000.
* Candidate ID
A unique identifier assigned to each candidate registered with the FEC. The
initial character indicates the office sought. (H)ouse, (S)enate,
(P)resident. If a person runs for several offices, they will have separate
IDs for each office.
* Cash on hand
Cash on hand includes funds held in checking and savings accounts,
certificates of deposit, petty cash funds, traveler’s checks, treasury bills
and other investments valued at cost. 11 CFR 104.3(a)(1).
* CFR
Code of Federal Regulations. The annual collection of executive-agency
regulations published in the daily Federal Register, combined with previously
issued regulations that are still in effect. The sections of the CFR
containing federal campaign finance regulations may be found in Title 11 and
are available on the FEC’s website or as a free publication from the FEC.
* Clearly identified candidate
A candidate is clearly identified when his or her name, nickname, photograph
or drawing appears, or when his or her identity is otherwise apparent through
an unambiguous reference such as “the President,” “your Congressman,” or “the
incumbent,” or through an unambiguous reference to his or her status as a
candidate such as “the Democratic presidential nominee” or “the Republican
candidate for Senate in the State of Georgia.” 11 CFR 100.17.
* Collecting agent
A collecting agent is an organization or committee that collects and
transmits contributions to one or more separate segregated funds to which the
collecting agent is related. A collecting agent may be either:
* A committee, whether or not it is a political committee as defined in 11
CFR 100.5, affiliated with the separated segregated fund under 11 CFR
110.3.
* The connected organization of the separated segregated fund as defined in
11 CFR 100.6. A parent, subsidiary, branch, division, department, or local
unit of the connected organization of the separate segregated fund.
* A local national or international union collecting contributions on behalf
of the separate segregated fund of any federation with which the local,
national or international union is affiliated.
See 11 CFR 114.1(e) and 102.6(b)(1).
* Commercial vendor
Any person providing goods or services to a candidate or political committee
whose usual and normal business involves the sale, rental, lease or provision
of those goods or services. 11 CFR 116.1(c).
* Committee type
A definition that categorizes groups organized to receive and spend money in
federal elections. The basic committee types are authorized committees,
political party committees, separate segregated funds (SSFs) and nonconnected
committees.
* Communications costs
Costs that a corporation, labor organization, trade association or
incorporated membership organization pays for express advocacy communications
that are directed to the restricted class, once the payments exceed $2,000
for any election (primary or general). The payments are not considered
contributions but instead are reported as "Communication Costs on Form 7."
See 11 CFR 104.6(a).
* Communications filers
Form 5, Form 7 and Form 9 filers, whose activity includes:
* Contributions reported by persons other than political committees
* Independent expenditures reported by persons other than political
committees
* Communication costs reported by corporations and membership organizations
* Electioneering communications
* Conduit or intermediary
Any person who receives and forwards an earmarked contribution to a candidate
or a candidate’s authorized committee. 11 CFR 110.6(b)(2).
* Connected organization
An organization that uses its treasury funds to establish, administer or
solicit contributions to a separate segregated fund. 11 CFR 100.6(a).
* Contribution
A gift, subscription, loan, advance or deposit of money or anything of value
given to influence a federal election; or the payment by any person of
compensation for the personal services of another person if those services
are rendered without charge to a political committee for any purpose. 11 CFR
100.52(a) and 100.54.
* Contribution in the name of another
Giving money or anything of value, all or part of which was provided to the
contributor by another person (the true contributor) without disclosing the
source of the money or the thing of value to the recipient candidate or
committee at the time the contribution is made; or making a contribution of
money or anything of value and attributing as the source another person when
in fact the contributor is the source. 11 CFR 110.4(b).
* Cooperative
A cooperative is a voluntary economic association organized to provide
economic services, without gain, to itself, and to the members who own and
control it. A federated cooperative as defined in the Agricultural Marketing
Act of 1929, 12 U.S.C. 1141j, or a rural cooperative eligible for assistance
under chapter 31 or title 7 of the United States Code, may solicit the
members of the cooperative's regional, state or local affiliates, provided
that all of the political committees established, financed, maintained or
controlled by the cooperative and its regional, state or local affiliates are
considered one political committee for the purposes of the limitations in 11
CFR 110.1 and 110.2.
* Coordinated
Made in cooperation, consultation or concert with, or at the request or
suggestion of, a candidate, a candidate’s authorized committee or their
agents, or a political party committee or its agents. 11 CFR 109.20(a).
* Coordinated communication
A communication that satisfies a three-pronged test:
1. The communication must be paid for by a person other than a federal
candidate, authorized committee, or a political party committee, or any
agents of the aforementioned entities with whom the communication is
coordinated.
2. One or more of the five content standards set forth in 11 CFR 109.21(c)
must be satisfied; and
3. One or more of the five conduct standards set forth in 11 CFR 109.21(d)
must be satisfied.
A payment for a communication satisfying all three prongs is an in-kind
contribution to the candidate or political party committee with which it was
coordinated. 11 CFR 109.21.
* Coordinated party expenditure
A special type of expenditure that can be made only by a national or state
political party committee in connection with the general election of a
candidate. These expenditures are subject to a separate set of limits and do
not count against the party’s normal contribution limits with respect to each
candidate. 11 CFR 109.30 and 109.32-37.
* Corporation
Any separately incorporated entity (other than a political committee that has
incorporated for liability purposes only). 11 CFR 100.134(l) and 114.12(a).
The term corporation covers both for-profit and nonprofit corporations and
includes nonstock corporations, incorporated membership organizations,
incorporated cooperatives, incorporated trade associations, professional
corporations and, under certain circumstances, limited liability companies.
* Custodian of Records
The individual or entity holding possession of a political committee’s books
and accounts.The Custodian of Records is listed on the committee’s Statement
of Organization. 11 CFR 102.2(a)(1)(iii).
* Date made
The date the contributor relinquishes control over a contribution. A
contribution that is mailed is considered made on the date of the postmark.
In the case of an in-kind contribution, a contribution is made on the date
the goods or services are provided by the contributor. This date determines
the election or calendar year limit against which a contribution counts. 11
CFR 110.1(b)(6).
* Date of ineligibility
The candidate’s date of ineligibility shall be whichever date by operation of
the following occurs first:
* The day on which an individual ceases to be a candidate because he or she
is not actively conducting campaigns in more than one State in connection
with seeking the presidential nomination;
* The 30th day following the date of the second consecutive primary election
in which such individual receives less than 10 percent of the number of
popular votes cast for all candidates of the same party for the same
office in that primary election, if the candidate permitted or authorized
his or her name to appear on the ballot, unless the candidate certifies to
the Commission at least 25 business days prior to the primary that he or
she will not be an active candidate in the primary involved; or
* The last day of the matching payment period.
See 11 CFR 9033.5.
* Date received
The date a committee (or a person acting on the committee’s behalf) takes
possession of the contribution. 11 CFR 102.8(a). This date is used for FEC
reporting.
* Debt
Debts include unpaid bills. FEC reports show the amount of reportable debt a
committee owes to other entities at the end of the filing period.
* Delegate
An individual who is or seeks to become a delegate to a national nominating
convention or to a state, district or local convention, caucus or primary
held to select delegates to a national nominating convention. 11 CFR
110.14(b)(1).
* Delegate committee
A group organized for the purpose of influencing the selection of one or more
delegates. The term includes a group of delegates, a group of individuals
seeking to become delegates and a group of individuals supporting delegates.
11 CFR 110.14(b)(2).
* Designated/designation
A contribution is considered to be designated in writing for a particular
election if
* The contribution is made by check, money order, or other negotiable
instrument which clearly indicates the particular election with respect to
which the contribution is made;
* The contribution is accompanied by a writing, signed by the contributor,
which clearly indicates the particular election with respect to which the
contribution is made; or
The contribution is redesignated in accordance with
11 CFR 110.1(b)(5)
.
11 CFR 110.1(b)(4).
* Direct mail
Any mailings made by a commercial vendor or made from a commercial list. 11
CFR 100.87(a), 100.89(a), 100.147(a) and 100.149(a)
* Disbursement
Any purchase or payment made by a political committee or any other person
that is subject to the Federal Election Campaign Act. 11 CFR 300.2(d).
* Disclaimer notice
A “disclaimer” notice is a statement that identifies the person(s) who paid
for a communication and whether the communication was authorized by one or
more candidates. 11 CFR 110.11.
* Disclosure date
The disclsoure date is
* the first date on which an electioneering communication is publicly
distributed provided that the person making the electioneering
communication has made one or more disbursements, or has executed one or
more contracts to make disbursements, for the direct costs of producing or
airing one or more electioneering communications aggregating in excess of
$10,000; or
* Any other date during the same calendar year on which an electioneering
communication is publicly distributed provided that the person making the
electioneering communication has made one or more disbursements, or has
executed one or more contracts to make disbursements, for the direct costs
of producing or airing one or more electioneering communications
aggregating in excess of $10,000 since the most recent disclosure date
during such calendar year.
11 CFR 104.20(a)(1).
* District
A U.S. House of Representatives District. Because Senators represent an
entire state, Senate races do not have districts associated with them.
* Donation
A payment, gift, subscription, loan, advance, deposit or anything of value
given to a person but does not include contributions.11 CFR 300.2(e).
* Earmarked contribution
A contribution that the contributor directs (either orally or in writing) to
or on behalf of a clearly identified candidate or authorized committee
through an intermediary or conduit. Earmarking may take the form of a
designation, instruction or encumbrance, and it may be direct or indirect,
express or implied. 11 CFR 110.6.
* Election
Any one of several processes by which an individual seeks nomination for
election, or election, to federal office. They include: a primary election,
including a caucus or convention that has authority to select a nominee; a
general election; a runoff election; and a special election held to fill a
vacant seat. 11 CFR 100.2.
* Election cycle
The period beginning the day after the previous general election for a given
federal office and ending on the date of the general election for that
office. The number of years in an election cycle differs according to the
federal office sought. The election cycle spans two years for House
candidates; four years for presidential candidates; and six years for Senate
candidates. See 11 CFR 100.3(b).
* Electioneering communication
Any broadcast, cable or satellite communication that (1) refers to a clearly
identified candidate for federal office; (2) is publicly distributed within
certain time periods before an election and (3) is targeted to the relevant
electorate. 11 CFR 100.29.
* Employer
The organization or person by whom an individual is employed, and not the
name of his or her supervisor. 11 CFR 100.21.
* Ending cash on hand
The total amount of cash on hand that remains after the amount of cash on
hand at the beginning of the reporting period is adjusted to add the total
receipts for the reporting period and subtract the total disbursements for
the reporting period.
* Executive and administrative personnel
Individuals employed by a corporation or labor organization who are paid on a
salary rather than hourly basis and who have policymaking, managerial,
professional, or supervisory responsibilities. The definition does not
include professionals who are represented by a labor organization, salaried
foremen and lower-level supervisors having direct supervision over hourly
employees, former or retired personnel who are not stockholders, and
consultants who are not employees under the Internal Revenue Code. 11 CFR
114.1(c), 26 CFR 31.3401(c)-1.
* Exempt party activities
Certain candidate support activities that state and local party groups may
undertake without making a contribution or expenditure, provided specific
rules are followed.
* Expenditure
A purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or
anything of value made for the purpose of influencing a federal election. A
written agreement to make an expenditure is also considered an expenditure.
11 CFR 100.111 and 100.112.
* Expenditure report period
In the case of a major party, the expenditure report period begins on
September 1 before the election or on the date on which the major party’s
presidential nominee is chosen, whichever is earlier; and the period ends 30
days after the presidential election. In the case of a minor or new party,
the period will be the same as that of the major party with the shortest
expenditure report period. See 11 CFR 9002.12.
* Express advocacy
Unambiguously advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified
federal candidate. There are two ways that a communication can be defined as
express advocacy (candidate advocacy): by use of certain “explicit words of
advocacy of election or defeat” and by the “only reasonable interpretation”
test. See 11 CFR 100.22.
* Facilitation
The use of corporate or labor organization resources or facilities to engage
in fundraising activities in connection with any federal election (other than
raising funds for the organization’s separate segregated fund). Facilitation
results in a prohibited contribution to the committee that benefits from the
activity. 11 CFR 114.2(f).
* Family
* For purposes of candidate travel rules, "immediate family" means the
father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse (see separate
definition), father-in-law or mother-in-law of the candidate. See 11 CFR
100.93(g)(4).
* For purposes of rules governing SSF solicitations and corporate/labor
communications, "families" includes spouses (see separate definition),
mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who live in the same household. See
AOs 2013-06 and 1980-102.
* For purposes of public funding, the term "immediate family" means a
candidate’s spouse (see separate definition), and any child, parent,
grandparent, brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sister of the
candidate and the spouses of such persons. 11 CFR 9003.2(c)(1) and
9035.2(b).
* Federal Election Activity (FEA)
Activity by state, district and local party committees, which may be paid for
with federal or – in the case of the first two types – a combination of
federal and Levin funds. The four types of federal election activity are as
follows:
* Voter registration activity during the period 120 days before a primary or
general election and ending on election day itself;
* Voter identification, get-out-the-vote and generic campaign activity
conducted in connection with an election in which a federal candidate
appears on the ballot;
* A public communication that refers to a clearly identified candidate for
federal office and that promotes, attacks, supports or opposes any
candidate for federal office. The communication does not need to expressly
advocate the election or defeat of the federal candidate to qualify as
federal election activity; and
* Services provided during a month by an employee of a state, district or
local party committee who spends more than 25 percent of his or her
compensated time during that month on activities in connection with a
federal election including FEA.
11 CFR 100.24(b).
* Federal funds
Funds that comply with the limits, prohibitions and reporting requirements of
the Federal Election Campaign Act. 11 CFR 300.2(g).
* Federal government contractor
A person who enters into a contract, or is bidding on such a contract, with
any agency or department of the United States government and is paid, or is
to be paid, for services, material, equipment, supplies, land or buildings
with funds appropriated by Congress. 11 CFR 115.1.
* Federal officeholder
An individual elected to or serving in the office of President or Vice
President of the United States, or a Senator or Representative in, or a
Delegate or Resident Commissioner, to the Congress of the United States. 11
CFR 113.1(c) and 300.2(o).
* Federally chartered corporation
A corporation that is organized pursuant to a federal statute and that became
a corporation when it received a charter from a federal agency. See AOs
1988-12 and 1984-63.
* Filing
A report, designation or statement submitted to the FEC or Secretary of the
Senate by a candidate, committee or other entity. Required filings include
declarations of candidacy and committee reports of the money they receive and
spend. See also "Reports, designations and statements".
* Foreign national
1. An individual who is not a citizen of the United States or a national of
the United States and has not been lawfully admitted to the U.S. for
permanent residence, as defined in 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(20); or
2. A foreign principal, as defined in 22 U.S.C. § 611(b).
11 CFR 110.20(a)(3).
* GELAC fund
General Election Legal and Accounting Compliance fund. A fund established by
major party candidates for the Office of the President or Vice President of
the United States, to be used to collect contributions solely for legal and
accounting services to ensure compliance with federal law. See 11 CFR 9003.3.
* Generic campaign activity
A type of Federal Election Activity, as distinguished from voter drive
activity. Generic campaign activity is a public communication that promotes
or opposes a political party and does not promote or oppose a clearly
identified federal candidate or a nonfederal candidate. 11 CFR 100.25.
* Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV)
In regard to FEA, GOTV activity encompasses all means of assisting,
encouraging or urging potential voters to vote. This activity includes, but
is not limited to:
* Encouraging or urging potential voters to vote, whether by mail (including
direct mail), email, in person, by telephone (including prerecorded
telephone calls, phone banks and messaging such as SMS and MMS), or by any
other means;
* Informing potential voters, whether by mail (including direct mail),
email, in person, by telephone (including pre-recorded telephone calls,
phone banks and messaging such as SMS and MMS), or by any other means,
about the hours or location of polling places, or about early voting or
voting by absentee ballot;
* Offering or arranging to transport, or actually transporting voters to the
polls;
* Any other activity that assists potential voters in voting.
11 CFR 100.24(a)(3).
* Host committee
A host committee is any local organization, such as a local civic
association, business league, chamber of commerce, real estate board, board
of trade, or convention bureau, that satisfies all of the following
conditions:
* It is not organized for profit;
* Its net earnings do not inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or
individual; and
* Its principal purpose is the encouragement of commerce in the convention
city, as well as the projection of a favorable image of the city to
convention attendees.
11 CFR 9008.50.
* Hybrid PAC
A committee that, in addition to making contributions, establishes a separate
bank account to deposit and withdraw funds raised in unlimited amounts from
individuals, corporations, labor organizations and/or other political
committees, consistent with the stipulated judgment in Carey v. FEC. The
funds maintained in this separate account will not be used to make
contributions, whether direct, in-kind or via coordinated communications, or
coordinated expenditures, to federal candidates or committees.
* Identification
For purposes of recordkeeping and reporting, a person’s full name and address
and, in the case of an individual, his or her occupation (principal job title
or position) and employer (organization or person by whom an individual is
employed) as well. 11 CFR 100.12, 100.20 and 100.21.
* In-kind contribution
A contribution of goods, services or property offered free or at less than
the usual and normal charge. The term also includes payments made on behalf
of, but not directly to, candidates and political committees (except for
independent expenditures or non-coordinated communications). 11 CFR
100.52(d).
* Inactive candidate
The ineligibility date shall be the date on which an individual ceases to be
a candidate because he or she is not actively conducting campaigns in more
than one state in connection with seeking the presidential nomination. This
date shall be the earliest of:
* The date the candidate publicly announces that he or she will not be
actively conducting campaigns in more than one state; or
* The date the candidate notifies the Commission by letter that he or she is
not actively conducting campaigns in more than one state; or
* The date which the Commission determines under 11 CFR 9033.6 to be the
date that the candidate is not actively seeking election in more than one
state.
See 11 CFR 9033.5.
* Inaugural committee
The committee appointed by the President-elect to be in charge of the
presidential inaugural ceremony and functions and activities connected with
the inaugural ceremony. 11 CFR 104.21.
* Independent expenditure
An expenditure for a communication
* That expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified
candidate and
* That is not made in cooperation, consultation or concert with, or at the
request or suggestion of, any candidate, or his or her authorized
committees or agents, or a political party committee or its agents. 11 CFR
100.16.
* Independent expenditure only committee
A political committee that makes only independent expenditures that may
solicit and accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations,
labor organizations and other political committees. It may not accept
contributions from foreign nationals, federal contractors, national banks or
federally chartered corporations. See AO 2010-11. Such committees, popularly
known as Super PACs, must register with the Commission and comply with all
applicable reporting requirements of the Act.
* Indicator
Any visible or audible element associated with an internet public
communication that is presented in a clear and conspicuous manner and gives
notice to persons reading, observing, or listening to the internet public
communication that they may read, observe, or listen to a disclaimer
satisfying the requirements of 11 CFR 110.11(b) and (c)(1) through a
mechanism. An indicator may take any form including, but not limited to,
words, images, sounds, symbols, and icons.
* Joint contribution
A contribution made by more than one person on a single check or other
written instrument. 11 CFR 110.1(k)(1).
* Joint fundraising
Fundraising conducted jointly by a political committee and one or more other
political committees or unregistered organizations. Joint fundraising is
often conducted between a principal campaign committee and a political party
committee.
* Joint fundraising committee
A committee that has been set up for the purposes of fundraising for multiple
committees at the same time or an existing committee that has been authorized
to serve that purpose.
* Labor organization
An organization, agency or employee representative committee or plan, in
which employees participate and which exists for the purpose of dealing with
employers on grievances, labor disputes, wages, hours of employment or
working conditions. 11 CFR 114.1(d).
* Lawfully admitted for permanent residence
An individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence is someone who has
been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a
permanent basis. As proof of that status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) grants a person a permanent resident card, commonly called a
"Green Card."
* Leadership PAC
A political committee that is directly or indirectly established, financed,
maintained or controlled by a candidate or an individual holding federal
office, but is not an authorized committee of the candidate or officeholder
and is not affiliated with an authorized committee of a candidate or
officeholder.
* Levin funds
A category of funds raised by state, district and local party committees that
may be spent for certain Federal Election Activities. Levin funds are
donations from sources ordinarily prohibited by federal law but permitted by
state law. 11 CFR 300.31 and 300.32.
* Limited liability company (LLC)
A business entity that is recognized as a limited liability company under the
laws of the state in which it is established. LLCs that are treated as
partnerships under the IRS code may make contributions. LLCs that have
publicly traded stock or are treated as corporations under the IRS code are
prohibited from making contributions. 11 CFR 110.1(g).
* Lobbyist/registrant
A person who is a current registrant under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, or an
individual who is named on a current registration or report filed under the
Lobbying Disclosure Act. See 11 CFR 104.22.
* Lobbyist/Registrant PAC
Any political committee established or controlled by a person who is a
current registrant under Lobbying Disclosure Act or an individual who is
named on a current registration or report filed under the Lobbying Disclosure
Act.
* Local or district party committee
A political committee that, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is
responsible for the day-to-day operation of a political party at a level
lower than the state level (e.g., city, county, ward). 11 CFR 100.14(b).
* Local party organization
A local party organization is an organization that is responsible for a
political party's activities below the state level (such as city, county or
district level) but is not registered with the Federal Election Commission as
a district or local party committee.
* Major party
A political party whose candidate in the preceding presidential election
received, as the candidate of such party, 25 percent or more of the popular
vote. 11 CFR 9002.6 and 9008.2(c).
* Matching funds
Partial public funding available to eligible presidential primary candidates
in the form of matching payments. The federal government will match up to
$250 of an individual's total contributions to an eligible candidate,
provided that candidate shows broad-based public support and agrees to comply
with spending limits. See 11 CFR Part 9033, Part 9034, Part 9035 and Part
9037.
* Matching payment period
Matching payment period means the period beginning January 1 of the calendar
year in which a presidential general election is held and may not exceed one
of the following dates:
* For a candidate seeking the nomination of a party which nominates its
presidential candidate at a national convention, the date on which the
party nominates its candidate.
* For a candidate seeking the nomination of a party which does not make its
nomination at a national convention, the earlier of—1) The date the party
nominates its presidential candidate, or 2) The last day of the last
national convention held by a major party in the calendar year.
11 CFR 9032.6.
* Matter Under Review (MUR)
An FEC enforcement action, initiated by a sworn complaint or by an internal
administrative action.
* Mechanism
Any use of technology that enables the person reading, observing, or
listening to an internet public communication to read, observe or listen to a
disclaimer satisfying the requirements of 11 CFR 110.11 (b) and (c)(1) after
no more than one action by the recipient of the internet public
communication. A mechanism may take any form including, but not limited to,
hover-over text, pop-up screens, scrolling text, rotating panels, and
hyperlinks to a landing page.
* Member
With respect to a labor organization, a trade association, a cooperative or
other incorporated membership organization, a member is an individual or
other entity that:
* Satisfies the requirements for membership in a membership organization;
* affirmatively accepts the organization’s invitation to become a member;
and
* maintains a long-term and continuous bond with the organization by:
* having a significant financial attachment, such as a significant
investment or ownership stake;
* paying annual dues; or
* having direct participatory rights in the governance of the
organization.
11 CFR 114.1(e)(2).
* Membership organization
A labor organization or a trade association, cooperative or other
incorporated membership organization that:
* is composed of members;
* expressly states the qualifications for membership in its articles and
by-laws;
* makes its articles, by-laws and other organizational documents available
to its members;
* expressly seeks members;
* acknowledges the acceptance of membership, such as by sending membership
cards to new members or including them on a membership newsletter list;
and
* is not organized primarily for the purpose of influencing a federal
election.
11 CFR 100.134(e) and 114.1(e)(1).
* Memo entry/memo item
A way to mark a transaction so that the dollar amount is not incorporated
into the total figure for the schedule.
* Memo text
A field offered in FECFile software and some commercial software to allow a
committee to provide additional text to describe a particular transaction it
is reporting.
* Minor party
For purposes of public funding, the term "minor party" means a political
party whose presidential candidate in the preceding presidential election
received five percent or more, but less than 25 percent, of the total number
of popular votes received by all candidates for such office. See 11 CFR
9002.7.
* Multicandidate committee
A political action committee or party committee that has been registered at
least six months, has more than 50 contributors and, with the exception of
state party committees, has made contributions to at least five candidates
for federal office. 11 CFR 100.5(e)(3).
* Municipal fund
A municipal fund is any fund or account of a government agency, municipality,
or municipal corporation whose principal purpose is the encouragement of
commerce in the municipality and whose receipt and use of funds is subject to
the control of officials of the State or local government. 11 CFR 9008.50(c).
* National bank
A bank that is subject to the supervision of the Comptroller of the Currency.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is a bureau of the U.S.
Treasury Department.
* National committee
An organization that, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is
responsible for the day-to-day operation of the political party at the
national level, as determined by the Commission. 11 CFR 100.13.
* National party committee
A political committee established and maintained by a national political
party. A party’s national committee, House campaign committee and Senate
campaign committee are considered national party committees, as determined by
the Commission. 11 CFR 110.1(c)(2); 110.2(c)(2); 110.3(b)(2).
* Net debts outstanding
The total of a campaign’s unpaid debts incurred with respect to an election
plus estimated costs to liquidate the debts plus costs of terminating
political activity (if appropriate) minus cash on hand and receivables. 11
CFR 110.1(b)(3)(ii).
* Net outstanding campaign obligations (NOCO)
The total of all outstanding obligations for qualified campaign expenses as
of a publicly funded presidential candidate's date of ineligibility, plus
estimated necessary winding down costs less the total of:
* Cash on hand as of the close of business on the last day of eligibility;
* The fair market value of capital assets and other assets on hand; and
* Amounts owed to the committee in the form of credits, refunds of deposits,
returns, receivables, or rebates of qualified campaign expenses; or a
commercially reasonable amount based on the collectibility of those
credits, returns, receivables or rebates.
See 11 CFR 9034.5.
* New party
For purposes of public funding, the term "new party" means a political party
which is neither a major party nor a minor party. 11 CFR 9002.8.
* Non-contribution account
A separate bank account to deposit and withdraw funds raised in unlimited
amounts from individuals, corporations, labor organizations and/or other
political committees, consistent with the stipulated judgment in Carey v.
FEC. The funds maintained in this separate account will not be used to make
contributions, whether direct, in-kind or via coordinated communications, or
coordinated expenditures, to federal candidates or committees.
* Nonconnected committee
Any committee that conducts activities in connection with an election, but
that is not a party committee, an authorized committee of any candidate for
federal election, or a separate segregated fund. 11 CFR 106.6(a).
* None
If data appears as "None", it's best to check the source document. Common
reasons that the data appears as "None" are:
* Data is not processed yet; often, paper filings cause delays and
inconsistent upload times.
* Data is from an amendment that did not properly identify the form it was
amending.
* The filer did not fill out the information on the form.
If you think there is an error, you can report that via our feedback tool.
* Nonfederal funds
Funds that are not subject to the limitations or prohibitions of the Federal
Election Campaign Act. 11 CFR 300.2(k).
* Nonmulticandidate committee/nonqualified committee
A political action committee or party committee that has NOT met all of these
conditions: a) has been registered at least six months, b) has more than 50
contributors and, with the exception of state party committees, c) has made
contributions to at least five candidates for federal office. See 11 CFR
100.5(e)(3).
* Occupation
The principal job title or position of an individual and whether or not
self-employed. 11 CFR 100.20.
* One-third rule
A formula used to ensure the treasury funds of a connected organization are
not traded for voluntary contributions when the organization pays for prizes
or entertainment to offer as an incentive to make a contribution to its SSF.
Under the one-third rule, the SSF must reimburse the connected organization
for costs that exceed one-third of the money raised. See 11 CFR 114.5(b)(2).
* Ongoing committee
Any political committee that has not terminated and does not qualify as a
terminating committee. 11 CFR 116.1(b).
* Operating expenditures
A committee's day-to-day expenditures for items such as rent, overhead,
administration, personnel, equipment, travel, advertising and fundraising.
* Ordinary course of business
In determining whether credit was extended in the ordinary course of
business, the Commission will consider—
* Whether the commercial vendor followed its established procedures and its
past practice in approving the extension of credit;
* Whether the commercial vendor received prompt payment in full if it
previously extended credit to the same candidate or political committee;
and
* Whether the extension of credit conformed to the usual and normal practice
in the commercial vendor's trade or industry.
11 CFR 116.3(c).
* Organization type
Certain filers, like separate segregated funds and communication cost filers,
identify the types of organizations they are connected with. These connected
organizations can be identified as corporations, trade associations, labor
organizations, cooperatives, membership organizations or corporations without
capital stock.
* Overnight delivery service
A private delivery service business of established reliability that offers an
overnight (next business day) delivery option.
* Party committee
A political committee that represents a political party and is part of the
official party structure at the national, state or local level.
* PASO
PASO is an acronym that stands for “Promote, Attack, Support or Oppose.” See,
e.g., 11 CFR 100.24(b)(3).
* Person
An individual, partnership, political committee, corporation, labor
organization or any other organization or group of persons, not including the
federal government. 11 CFR 100.10.
* Personal funds of a candidate
The personal funds of a candidate include:
* Assets which the candidate has a legal right of access to or control over,
and which he or she has legal title to or an equitable interest in, at the
time of candidacy;
* Income from employment;
* Dividends and interest from, and proceeds from sale or liquidation of,
stocks and other investments;
* Income from trusts, if established before the election cycle;
* Income from trusts established by bequests (even after candidacy)
* Bequests to the candidate;
* Personal gifts that had been customarily received by the candidate prior
to the beginning of the election cycle; and
* Proceeds from lotteries and similar games of chance.
11 CFR 100.33(a) and (b).
* Political Action Committee (PAC)
Popular term for a political committee that is neither a party committee nor
an authorized committee of a candidate. PACs directly or indirectly
established, administered or financially supported by a corporation or labor
organization are called separate segregated funds (SSFs). PACs without such a
corporate or labor sponsor are called nonconnected PACs.
* Political committee
An entity that meets one of the following conditions:
* An authorized committee of a candidate (see definition of candidate)
* Any club, association or other group of persons that receives
contributions or makes expenditures, either of which aggregate over $1,000
during a calendar year
* A local unit of a political party (except a state party committee) that:
(1) receives contributions aggregating over $5,000 during a calendar year;
(2) makes contributions or expenditures either of which aggregate over
$1,000 during a calendar year or (3) makes payments aggregating over
$5,000 during a calendar year for certain activities that are exempt from
the definitions of contribution and expenditure (11 CFR 100.80, 100.87 and
100.89; 11 CFR 100.140, 100.149).
* Any separate segregated fund upon its establishment. 11 CFR 100.5.
* Political party
An association, committee or organization that nominates or selects a
candidate for election to federal office whose name appears on the election
ballot as the candidate of the organization.
* Postmarked
A U.S. Postal Service postmark or the verifiable date of deposit with an
overnight delivery service.
* Presidential Election Campaign Fund
A special fund established by law into which dollars voluntarily designated
by taxpayers on their federal income tax returns for the purpose of
presidential public funding are deposited. Once the Federal Election
Commission determines that eligibility requirements have been met, it
certifies the amount of public funds to which the candidate is entitled. The
U.S. Treasury then makes the actual payments from the Fund. See 11 CFR 9002.5
and 26 U.S.C. § 9006.
* Presidential public funds
Public funding of presidential elections means that qualified presidential
candidates may choose to receive federal government funds to pay for certain
expenses of their political campaigns in both the primary and general
elections. Prior to the 2016 presidential election, national political
parties could also receive federal money for their national nominating
conventions.
* Principal campaign committee
An authorized committee designated by a candidate as the principal committee
to raise contributions and make expenditures for his or her campaign for a
federal office.
* Prior approval
A written request to a member corporation of a trade association to a member
corporation for permission to solicit the member’s restricted class. This
request for approval must inform the member corporation that corporate
approval is necessary before the trade association or its SSF may conduct a
solicitation and the corporation may not approve solicitations by another
trade association for the same calendar year. 11 CFR 114.8(d)(3).
* Public communication
A communication by means of any broadcast, cable or satellite communication,
newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, mass mailing or telephone
bank to the general public, or any other form of general public political
advertising. The term general public political advertising does not include
communications made over the internet, except for communications placed for a
fee on another person’s website, digital device, application, or advertising
platform. 11 CFR 100.26, 100.27 (definition of mass mailing) and 100.28
(definition of telephone bank).
* Qualified campaign expense
Any expenditure, including a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance,
deposit, or gift of money or anything of value incurred by a publicly funded
presidential candidate that meets certain conditions to be considered
qualified and thus not subject to repayment of public funds. For primary
candidates, the expenditure is a qualified campaign expense if:
* It is incurred by or on behalf of a candidate or the candidate's
authorized committees from the date the individual becomes a candidate
through the last day of the candidate's eligibility as determined under 11
CFR 9033.5;
* It is made in connection with his or her campaign for nomination; and
* Neither the incurrence nor payment of which constitutes a violation of any
law of the United States or of any law of any state in which the expense
is incurred or paid, or of any regulation prescribed under such law of the
United States or of any state.
* See 11 CFR 9032.9.
For general election candidates, the expenditure is a qualified campaign
expense if:
* It is incurred to further a candidate's campaign for election to the
office of President or Vice President of the United States;
* It is incurred within the expenditure report period, as defined under 11
CFR 9002.12, or incurred before the beginning of such period to the extent
such expenditure is for property, services or facilities to be used during
such period; and
* Neither the incurrence nor the payment of such expenditure constitutes a
violation of any law of the United States, any law of the state in which
such expense is incurred or paid, or any regulation prescribed under such
federal or state law.
* See 11 CFR 9002.11.
* Qualified/non-qualified
In the context of multicandidate political committees identified in FEC data
reports and indices, the designation “qualified” or “non-qualified” reflects
whether a political committee has satisfied the criteria for multicandidate
political committee status (i.e., whether the committee has been registered
for at least 6 months, received contributions from more than 50 persons, and
made contributions to 5 or more federal candidates). Committees listed as
“non-qualified” do not satisfy these requirements. See 11 CFR 100.5(e)(3).
* Reason-to-believe finding
In the course of its duties, the Commission may find "reason to believe that
a person has committed, or is about to commit, a violation" of the Act. A
"reason to believe" finding is not a finding that the respondent violated the
Act, but instead simply means that the Commission believes a violation may
have occurred. Such a finding is a precondition to opening an investigation
into the alleged violation. 52 U.S.C. § 30109(a)(2).
* Reattributed contribution
The portion of an excessive contribution that has been attributed in writing
to another contributor and signed by both contributors. 11 CFR
110.1(k)(3)(ii).
* Receipt
Anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a
political committee.
* Redesignated contribution
With regard to contributions made to candidates, the portion of a
contribution that has been designated by the contributor, in writing, to an
election other than the one for which the funds were originally given. 11 CFR
110.1(b)(5).
* Refunded contribution
A contribution is refunded when the recipient committee deposits the
contribution and sends the contributor a check for the amount (or a portion)
of the contribution. 11 CFR 103.3(b).
* Reports, designations and statements
All committees registered with the FEC and other persons who make certain
expenditures or disbursements are required to file reports, designations and
statements that disclose their financial activity. The contents of those
reports and statements, as well as the filing schedule, depend on the type of
committee or organization, or the type of expenditure or disbursement made.
See also "Filing.".
* Restricted class/solicitable class
Those persons, including the executive and administrative personnel, members
or stockholders (and the families of each) within a corporation or labor
organization, who may be solicited for contributions to the organization’s
separate segregated fund at any time and who may receive certain
communications from the organization. 11 CFR 114.1(j); 114.3(a); 114.5(g);
114.7(a) and (h); and 114.8(c), (h) and (i).
* Separate segregated fund (SSF)
A political committee established, administered or financially supported by a
corporation or labor organization, popularly called a Corporate or Labor
Political Action Committee (PAC). See 11 CFR 114.1(a)(2)(iii). The term
"financially supported" does not include contributions to the SSF, but does
include the payment of establishment, administration or solicitation costs.
11 CFR 100.6(c).
* Solicitation (SSF)
A statement that publicizes the SSF’s right to accept unsolicited
contributions from any lawful contributor; provides information on how to
contribute to the SSF; or encourages support for the SSF. AO 1984–55, n. 2;
AOs 1979–66 and 1979–13.
* Special election
A primary, general or runoff election that is not a regularly scheduled
election and that is held to fill a vacant seat in the House of
Representatives or the Senate. 100.2(f).
* Spouse
Couples married under state law, including same-sex couples, are "spouses"
for the purpose of Commission regulations. AOs 2013-07 and 2013-06.
* State party committee
A committee which, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party or the
operation of state law is part of the official party structure and is
responsible for the day-to-day operation of the party at the state level,
including an entity that is directly or indirectly established, financed,
maintained or controlled by that organization, as determined by the
Commission. 11 CFR 100.14(a).
* Status
Refers to whether the candidate is an incumbent, challenger or running
unopposed.
* Stockholder
A person who has a vested beneficial interest in stock, the power to direct
how that stock is voted (if it is voting stock) and the right to receive
dividends.11 CFR 114.1(h).
* Super PAC
A political committee that makes only independent expenditures that may
solicit and accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations,
labor organizations and other political committees. It may not accept
contributions from foreign nationals, federal contractors, national banks or
federally chartered corporations. See AO 2010-11. Such committees, also known
as independent expenditure only committees, must register with the Commission
and comply with all applicable reporting requirements of the Act.
* Terminating committee
A political committee that is winding down its activities in preparation for
filing a termination report. A terminating committee has ceased to make or
receive contributions or make expenditures (other than for debt retirement
purposes or winding-down costs). 11 CFR 116.1(a).
* to Direct
For purposes of 11 CFR Part 300, to direct means to guide, directly or
indirectly, a person who has expressed an intent to make a contribution,
donation, transfer of funds or otherwise provide anything of value, by
identifying a candidate, political committee or organization for the receipt
of such funds or things of value. The contribution, donation, transfer or
thing of value may be provided directly or through an intermediary. Direction
does not include merely providing information or guidance as to the
applicability of a particular law or regulation. 11 CFR 300.2(n).
* to Solicit
For the purposes of 11 CFR Part 300, to solicit means to ask, request or
recommend, explicitly or implicitly, that another person make a contribution,
donation, transfer of funds or otherwise provide anything of value. A
solicitation is an oral or written communication that, construed as
reasonably understood in the context in which it is made, contains a clear
message asking, requesting or recommending that a person make a contribution,
donation, transfer of funds or otherwise provide anything of value. A
solicitation may be made directly or indirectly. The context includes the
conduct of persons involved in the communication. A solicitation does not
include mere statements of political support or mere guidance as to the
applicability of a particular law or regulation. 11 CFR 300.2(m).
* Total disbursements
The sum of all purchases and payments made during a filing period by a
political committee or any other person, including an organization that is
not a political committee that is subject to the Federal Election Campaign
Act.
* Total receipts
The sum of all contributions and other receipts received by a committee
during a filing period.
* Trade association
A membership organization consisting of persons engaged in a similar or
related line of commerce. A trade association is organized to promote and
improve business conditions in that line of commerce and not to engage in a
regular business for profit. No part of the net earnings of a trade
association may inure to the benefit of any member.
* Treasurer
Required for every political committee. The treasurer is responsible for
filing the committee's registration form, depositing receipts, authorizing
expenditures, monitoring contributions, keeping records, signing all reports
and statements and filing all reports and statements on time.
* Treasury funds
Funds of a corporation or labor organization that are derived from commercial
activities or dues payments. Treasury funds may be used for the
establishment, administrative and fundraising costs of the organization’s
separate segregated fund, as well as for making independent expenditures and
contributing to Super PACs and the non-contribution accounts of Hybrid PACs.
See 11 CFR 114.5(b) and 114.10.
* U.S. National
The term U.S. National means an individual who is a U.S. citizen or an
individual who, although not a U.S. citizen, owes permanent allegiance to the
United States. 31 CFR § 800.253. For example, certain persons born in
outlying possessions of the United States are U.S. Nationals but not U.S.
citizens. 8 U.S.C.1408.
* U.S.C.
The United States Code (U.S.C.) contains the federal statutory laws of the
United States, arranged into 54 broad titles according to subject matter. The
FEC administers the campaign finance laws found in Title 52 and the portions
of Title 26 of the United States Code concerning public financing of
presidential election campaigns.
* Undesignated contribution
Contributors may designate contributions for a particular election by
indicating in writing the specific election to which they intend a
contribution to apply. A contribution that is not designated by the
contributor for a specific election is an undesignated contribution.
Undesignated contributions count against the donor’s contribution limits for
the candidate’s next election. 11 CFR 110.1(b)(2).
* Unique identifier
A unique title or code assigned by a party committee to each program or event
for which it reports an allocation ratio. Party committees must use that
identifier consistently when reporting the activity. 11 CFR
104.17(b)(1)(iii).
* Usual and normal charge
With regard to goods provided to a political committee, the term refers to
the price of those goods in the market from which they ordinarily would have
been purchased at the time they were provided. With regard to services, the
term refers to the hourly or piecework charge for the services at a
commercially reasonable rate prevailing at the time the services were
rendered. 11 CFR 100.52(d)(2).
* Voter drive activity
Voter identification, voter registration and get-out-the-vote-drives, or any
other activities that urge the general public to register or vote, or that
promote or oppose a political party, without promoting any federal or
nonfederal candidate, that do not qualify as FEA. This is a category of
allocable activity for mixed federal/nonfederal party activity sometimes also
referred to as a “generic voter drive.” 11 CFR 106.7(c)(5).
* Voter identification
With regard to FEA, this means acquiring information about potential voters,
including, but not limited to, obtaining voter lists and creating or
enhancing voter lists by verifying or adding information about the voters’
likelihood of voting in an upcoming election or voting for specific
candidates. 11 CFR 100.24(a)(4).
* Voter registration activity
In regard to FEA, voter registration activity encompasses all means of
contacting potential voters to assist, encourage or urge them to register to
vote. This activity includes, but is not limited to:
* Encouraging or urging potential voters to register to vote, whether by
mail (including direct mail), email, in person, by telephone (including
pre-recorded telephone calls, phone banks and messaging such as SMS and
MMS), or by any other means;
* Preparing and distributing information about registration and voting;
* Distributing voter registration forms or instructions to potential voters;
* Answering questions about how to complete or file a voter registration
form, or assisting potential voters in completing or filing such forms;
* Submitting or delivering a completed voter registration form on behalf of
a potential voter;
* Offering or arranging to transport, or actually transporting potential
voters to a board of elections or county clerk’s office for them to fill
out voter registration forms; or
* any other activity that assists potential voters to register to vote.
11 CFR 100.24(a)(2).
* Written instrument
A check written on a personal, escrow or trust account representing or
containing the contributor's personal funds; a money order; any similar
negotiable instrument; or, for contributions by credit or debit card, a paper
record, or an electronic record that can be reproduced on paper, of the
transaction. In the case of a contribution by a credit card or debit card,
"written instrument" includes either a transaction slip or other writing
signed by the cardholder, or in the case of such a contribution made over the
internet, an electronic record of the transaction created and transmitted by
the cardholder, and including the name of the cardholder and the card number,
which can be maintained electronically and reproduced in a written form by
the recipient candidate or candidate's committee. See 11 CFR 9034.2(b).
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