Freedom of Information Act

Introduction

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is a disclosure agency. The Commission therefore routinely places numerous categories of records on the public record. The following documents are included within the categories of records routinely made publicly available:

Campaign finance reports are placed on the public record within 48 hours of receipt at the FEC. See 2 U.S.C. §438(a)(4)
Certain material from closed enforcement cases are placed on the public record within 30 days of the required notifications being sent to complainant and respondent(s). See 2 U.S.C. §437g(a)(4)(B)(ii), 11 C.F.R. §111.20, and 11 C.F.R. §111.42.
Advisory Opinions (AOs) and related documents including requests for AOs and draft AOs for public comment. See 2 U.S.C. §437f(d).

Because these records are made publicly available pursuant to other statutory provisions, we generally will not process these requests under FOIA.

Members of the public may request any matters of public record through the Commission's Public Records Office at 202-694-1120.

Representatives of the media may initiate requests through the FEC Press Office at 202-694-1220.

The FEC’s Chief FOIA Officer is Lawrence L. Calvert Jr., Associate General Counsel for the General Law and Advice Division.

Making a FOIA Request

Under FOIA, you may request access to records held by the Federal Election Commission. Your request must include your name and sufficient information for us to contact you, and must reasonably describe the records you are requesting.

As authorized by FOIA, we may charge you a fee for the direct costs of processing your FOIA request. Members of the news media and education and non-commercial scientific institutions may request a reduction or waiver of fees. If you are requesting a reduction or waiver of fees, that request must be in writing and must accompany your FOIA request. Please see the FEC's FOIA regulations, 11 CFR §4.9, for a complete explanation of these fees and when we may charge them, and the criteria for reduction or waiver of the fees.

Where to Send the FOIA Request

You may submit your request by mail, fax or e-mail to:

Federal Election Commission
Attn: Candace J. Salley
Room 408
999 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20463

Fax number:
(202) 219-1043

Electronic mail address:
FOIA@fec.gov

Getting a Response

We will respond to your request within twenty (20) working days.

There are nine statutory FOIA exemptions that authorize the withholding of information in certain specific circumstances. If the FEC withholds information requested in whole or in part, the response you receive will:

indicate the exemption(s) claimed;
describe what the exemption(s) cover; and
explain the procedures for appealing the denial.

If you have questions about the status of your FOIA request, please contact:

FOIA Requester Service Center
Attn: Candace J. Salley
Room 408
999 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20463
( 202) 694-1650

If you still have concerns or questions after contacting the Service Center, please contact the FEC's FOIA Public Liaison, Nicole J. St. Louis:

Federal Election Commission
FOIA Public Liaison
Attn: Nicole J. St. Louis
Room 454
999 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20463
(202) 694-1650

Additional Information

Executive Order 13392: Summary Report & Plan of the Federal Election Commission [PDF]
FEC FOIA Backlog Reduction Goals
Freedom of Information Act 5 U.S.C. 552
Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996
Electronic Reading Room