Campaign Finance Disclosure

Campaign finance disclosure requires political campaigns and organizations to report the sources and amounts of money they raise to fund elections. These rules promote transparency, helping voters see who supports candidates and political causes. Disclosure requirements exist at both the federal and state levels, with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) overseeing federal filings and states managing their own reporting systems.

What Must Be Disclosed and When

Federal rules mandate that contributions over $200 in an election cycle must be reported with the donor’s name, address, occupation, and employer. State thresholds vary, with some requiring disclosure for gifts as low as $50. Candidates, political parties, and political action committees (PACs) file regular reports, which the FEC publishes online within 48 hours to keep the public informed about campaign funding.

Organizations and Reporting Requirements

Different political groups face different disclosure rules. Traditional PACs collect limited contributions and can donate directly to candidates, while Super PACs raise and spend unlimited funds independently but cannot coordinate with campaigns or give money directly to candidates. Both must report their donors publicly. Learning how PACs and Super PACs fit into campaign finance clarifies which organizations disclose their donors and which operate with fewer restrictions.

The Dark Money Exception

Despite disclosure rules, some groups known as “dark money” organizations can spend on elections without revealing their donors publicly. These nonprofits create a transparency gap because the public cannot see who funds their political activities, allowing significant undisclosed political spending that challenges efforts to fully track money in politics.