24- and 48-Hour Reports of Independent Expenditures

FEC regulations require political committees and other persons who make independent expenditures at any time during the calendar year--January 1, 2011, up to and including the 20th day before an election (including a special election)--to disclose this activity within 48 hours each time that the expenditures aggregate $10,000 or more. See 11 CFR 104.4(b)(2) and 109.10(c). This reporting requirement is in addition to the requirement to file 24-hour notice of independent expenditures each time that disbursements for independent expenditures aggregate at or above $1,000 during the last 20 days--up to 24 hours--before an election (including a special election). See 11 CFR 104.4(c) and 109.10(d).

The list below provides a breakdown of the periods during which 48- and 24-hour reports of Independent Expenditures must be filed in connection with 2011-12 Special Elections.¹  For a chronological listing, consult the FEC Calendar.

Political Committees must use FEC Form 3X, Schedule E [PDF] to file 48- and 24-hour notices.  Persons who are not political committees must use FEC Form 5 [PDF].

Coverage Periods for 48- and 24-Hour Reporting of Independent Expenditures in connection with 2011-12 Special Elections