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Federal Election Commission | United States of America

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a program that encourages settlements outside the traditional enforcement process.

The ADR program aims to:

  • Resolve administrative complaints and referrals faster
  • Reduce costs
  • Bring cases to a mutually satisfactory resolution

Resolutions tend to place greater emphasis on remedial measures, like having a committee hire compliance specialists or having committee members attend FEC educational conferences.

Having a case processed under ADR is not a right. It’s an option extended to appropriate cases. The ADR Office receives cases by assignment from the Commissioners or by referral from the Office of General Counsel (OGC), the Reports Analysis Division (RAD) or the Audit Division.

The ADR Program page provides additional, detailed information about the resolution process and timeline. The Guidebook for Complainants and Respondents is a step-by-step guide that explains the differences in Commission’s enforcement programs.

Guidebook for Complainants and Respondents on the FEC Enforcement Process Guidebook for Complainants and Respondents on the FEC Enforcement Process (PDF | 1MB)

Search ADR cases

Find closed cases by searching for keywords or by case information (case number, respondent, the individual who filed complaints).

ADR case search

This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.