POLYAS Election Glossary

We provide explanations and background information on elections, voting rights and digital democracy

Federal Election Commission

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent, statutory body in the United States charged with regulating federal election financing. The FEC was established by Congress in 1975 and consists of six commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Functions performed by the FEC include:

  • Administering the Public Funding Program, through which eligible Presidential candidates are allocated public funds to cover legitimate campaign expenses.
  • Facilitating disclosure of campaign finance reports and other relevant documents.
  • Clarifying the law through various publications and offering advisory opinions to people or organisations affected by campaign finance law.
  • Enforcing federal campaign finance law.
See also: Presidential Election, Regulation, Federal Election Campaign Act


< Go back