Practical guidance on federal and state election law, campaign finance compliance, and PAC formation for candidates, campaigns, and political organizations.
Federal and state election law is complex, technical, and constantly evolving. The consequences of non-compliance — fines, penalties, and public disclosure of violations — can be significant. Understanding the basic framework before you begin a campaign or form a political committee is essential.
The resources below provide an overview of key concepts in election law and campaign finance. They are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact Alabama Law Group to discuss your specific legal needs.
Federal candidates and political committees must register with the Federal Election Commission and file periodic reports disclosing contributions received and expenditures made. Reports are filed on a quarterly basis in non-election years and more frequently during election years. Failure to file timely and accurate reports can result in civil penalties.
Federal law limits the amount individuals, political party committees, and PACs may contribute to federal candidates and party committees. Contribution limits are adjusted for inflation each election cycle. Corporations and labor unions are generally prohibited from making direct contributions to federal candidates. Super PACs may accept unlimited contributions but may not coordinate with candidates.
There are several types of political committees under federal law, each with different rules for fundraising, spending, and disclosure. Traditional PACs are subject to contribution limits and may make direct contributions to candidates. Super PACs may raise unlimited funds but may only make independent expenditures. Hybrid PACs (Carey committees) operate both a traditional PAC account and a Super PAC account.
Candidates for Alabama state office must qualify through their political party or as independents during the designated qualification period. Requirements vary by office and include filing fees or petition signatures. The Alabama Secretary of State and county probate judges administer qualification for state and local offices respectively.
Alabama candidates and political action committees are subject to state campaign finance laws administered by the Alabama Ethics Commission. State law requires registration, periodic reporting of contributions and expenditures, and disclosure of certain large contributions. Alabama's campaign finance laws differ in important respects from federal law.
An independent expenditure is an expenditure for a communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate and is made without coordination with the candidate or campaign. Independent expenditures are not subject to contribution limits but must be disclosed. The coordination rules are complex and fact-specific — legal counsel is strongly recommended before engaging in independent expenditure activity.
The FEC regulates federal campaign finance law, administers disclosure, and enforces contribution limits.
fec.govThe Alabama Ethics Commission administers state campaign finance reporting and disclosure requirements.
ethics.alabama.govThe Alabama Secretary of State oversees candidate qualification, elections administration, and voter registration.
sos.alabama.govLegal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Election law and campaign finance law are complex and fact-specific. The information here may not reflect recent changes in the law. Contact Alabama Law Group to discuss your specific legal situation with one of our attorneys.
Alabama Law Group provides practical, strategic legal counsel to candidates, campaigns, PACs, and political organizations. Contact us to discuss your legal needs.
