This page provides answers to frequently asked compliance 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.
The PDF files linked on this web page may be viewed or printed using the free Acrobat Reader available from Adobe.
Complaints must be submitted in writing and must be sworn to and notarized. For additional information see our brochure, "Filing a Complaint."
Most violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) result in civil penalties--fines arrived at through a conciliation process. Knowing and willful violations of certain FECA provisions can lead to imprisonment. The FEC has exclusive civil enforcement authority, and may refer criminal violations to the U.S. Department of Justice. For additional information see our brochure, "Filing a Complaint." Note that sentencing guidelines for criminal violations of the law are set by the U.S. Sentencing Commission.
The Commission's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program offers respondents in certain types of enforcement matters an alternative to the agency's normal enforcement procedures. ADR cases tend to be resolved quickly through negotiation and mutual consent of those involved. For more information, see our "Alternative Dispute Resolution" brochure.
Under the Administrative Fine Program, committees that file reports late or fail to file are subject to civil money penalties, based on the tardiness of the report, the election-sensitivity of the report and the amount of activity disclosed on the report. For additional information, visit our Administrative Fine Program web page.
The acronym MUR stands for Matter Under Review. This is the name given to the Commission's standard enforcement cases. For additional information on MURs and the Commission's enforcement process, visit our Matters Under Review (MURs) web page.
