The Federal Election Commission administers and enforces the Federal Election Campaign Act ("the Act"). However, some laws related to federal elections and political activity do not fall within the FEC’s jurisdiction. This handout is intended to assist readers in identifying and contacting the authorities responsible for administering those laws.
State laws and procedures govern how federal candidates come to appear on election ballots. Filing a Form 2 "Statement of Candidacy" with the FEC does not qualify a candidate for any ballot. Candidates should contact the chief election official in their state for information on obtaining ballot access.
To request a paper copy of the Combined Federal/State Disclosure and Election Directory listing the addresses and telephone numbers of state election offices, please contact the FEC Information Division at 800/424-9530 or 202/694-1100.
The Ethics in Government Act, as amended, requires candidates for federal office to file disclosure reports of their personal finances. 5 U.S.C. §101(c). This is a requirement only for individuals who have met the statutory requirements to become candidates. As defined in 11 CFR 100.3, an individual becomes a candidate for federal office when either the individual or a person authorized by the individual to conduct campaign activity on his or her behalf receives over $5,000 in contributions or makes over $5,000 in expenditures.
A personal financial disclosure report must be filed within 30 days after the individual becomes a candidate or by May 15 of the same calendar year, whichever is later, but in any event at least 30 days before the primary or general election. 5 U.S.C. §101(c). Candidates should contact the appropriate office listed below for further information on forms and filing requirements. In addition, Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates must file copies of these reports with the Federal Election Commission. 5 U.S.C. §103(e).
Candidates who voluntarily register as a candidate with the FEC even though they have not crossed the $5,000 threshold should notify the appropriate Ethics Committee of their voluntary registration.
The U.S. Senate and House have rules regulating the activity of incumbent Senators and Representatives. Please contact the offices listed above for more information.
State and local governments may also have rules governing the activity of state and local officeholders. The appropriate state agency should be contacted for more information.
All political committees must comply with federal taxation laws which are interpreted and applied by the Internal Revenue Service. Political parties, campaign committees, and political action committees registered with the FEC are all considered political organizations subject to tax under Internal Revenue Code section 527. The following may be areas of concern to all forms of political committees.
To open a bank account, banks require committees to have a taxpayer identification number. The committee can obtain this number, entitled an "Employer Identification Number," by completing Form SS-4 [PDF]. This form is also available from the IRS by phone (800/TAX-FORM).
Political organizations do not pay taxes on amounts received as contributions. However, a committee may have to pay taxes on:
Only committees with a tax obligation are required to file an annual tax return on Form 1120-POL.
The IRS Tax Exempt Government Entities Division can provide further information and can be reached toll-free at 877/829-5500.
Under the Internal Revenue Code section 6113, political committees whose gross annual receipts normally exceed $100,000 must include a disclaimer on solicitations. The disclaimer notifies donors that their contributions are not tax-deductible. There are substantial penalties for failure to comply with this provision. Committees should contact the IRS Tax Exempt Government Entities Division at 877/829-5500 for more complete information and examples of safe harbor provisions.
Committees should contact the appropriate state agency for information on compliance with state tax laws.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the agency responsible for administering the laws on radio, television, wire, satellite, cable, and 900-line communications. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also has involvement in areas of communications and consumer protection including 900-line communications and telemarketing.
The Policy Division of the FCC Media Bureau can provide information regarding political programming issues relating to radio, television, cable television, and Direct Broadcast Satellite. The Policy Division advises the public on subject areas including equal opportunity rules, candidate access issues, political advertising rates, sponsorship identification notices, and the FCC’s role in interpreting certain Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act provisions. Contact the Policy Division at 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554 (202/418-1440).
The FCC has a 900-Number Rule governing communications. For more information, contact the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau of the FCC at 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554 (888/225-5322).
The Federal Trade Commission also has a 900-Number Rule. More information on compliance with the FTC’s rules can be obtained from the FTC at 877/382-4357.
Both the FCC and the FTC regulate consumer protection regarding telecommunications. More information can be obtained from the FCC’s Telecommunications Consumers Division at 202/418-7320. FTC information on Recognizing and Reporting Phone Fraud is available by calling 877/382-4357.
The Hatch Act bars certain partisan political activities by most federal employees and by certain state and local government employees. Some federal agencies have their own rules on the political conduct of employees. For more information, contact the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, 1730 M Street, NW, Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036 (800/85-HATCH).
Additionally, there may be nonfederal laws regulating state and local government employees. Contact the appropriate state agency for more information.
Although federal law permits committees to make contributions to nonfederal candidates, some state laws place restrictions on such contributions. For information on a particular state’s laws, call the state election office. Please note, however, that federal candidates and officeholders are prohibited from raising funds outside the limits and prohibitions of the Act.
This is an area regulated by federal law and state government. Local and state election officers are the primary source for resolution of contested elections and recounts.
The Election Assistance Commission provides assistance with the administration of certain federal election laws and programs. The EAC is located at 1225 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005 (866/747-1471 or 202/566-3100).
The National Archives and Records Administration administers the Electoral College process. More information can be obtained from the Office of the Federal Register, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001 (202/741-6030).
For information on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or to report suspected violations of the Act, contact the Voting Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Room 7254-NWB, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20530 (800/253-3931 or 202/307-2767).
Allegations of voter fraud should be reported to either the nearest Federal Bureau of Investigation office or the nearest U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Information on lobbying rules and registration requirements can be obtained from the following offices of the U.S. Congress:
Questions and concerns regarding lobbying reform should be directed to the respective House or Senate Ethics committee.
Questions concerning an election outside of the United States should be directed to the embassy of that country
This publication provides guidance on certain aspects of federal campaign finance law. This publication is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this publication create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission (Commission) or the public. The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions, and applicable court decisions. For further information, please contact: Federal Election Commission |
