800 Line: Updating your registration information (2005)

The material that follows answers frequently asked questions about changes or corrections to registration documents, FEC Forms 1 (Statement of Organization) and 2 (Statement of Candidacy).

When must a committee report any change or correction to information disclosed in its registration documents?

A committee must report to the Commission any change in its registration information within 10 days after the change occurs. 11 CFR 102.2(a)(2). Candidates must also remember that while they may reuse an existing campaign committee for the new election cycle, they must file a new Statement of Candidacy.

What types of changes would require a committee to file an amendment?

A committee would need to file an amendment to report, for example, an updated email address, a new fax number, a new treasurer, a new assistant treasurer, a change of mailing address or a new campaign depository. While these are some of the most common examples, any erroneous information on Forms 1 or 2 must be corrected within the 10-day deadline.

Why is it important to update your contact information?

The FEC uses the contact information disclosed on Forms 1 and 2 to provide important compliance information to committees. This newsletter, for example, is automatically sent to all committee treasurers identified on Statements of Organization, as are report notices and other official correspondence. In some cases, other committees may also need the information. Under the “Millionaires’ Amendment,” for example, campaigns must fax or email certain spending information to opposing candidates to help them determine whether they qualify for increased contribution limits. Additionally, campaigns must inform national and state party committees when they can make coordinated expenditures that exceed the limitations. If your committee’s disclosed fax or email address is outdated, you could miss an opportunity to benefit from this provision. 11 CFR 400.20.

If these “carrots” aren’t reason enough for you to make sure that your information is current and complete, there is a “stick.” Failure to provide required information can result in an enforcement action.

What if a committee is no longer active?

Even if a committee is no longer active, it still is required to keep its registration information current, and must continue to file regular financial reports with the FEC until the committee has been terminated. Committees in this situation may wish to consider filing a termination report. For more information, please refer to the appropriate campaign guide for your particular committee or contact the FEC’s Information Division or Reports Analysis Division for assistance.

How do I actually make a change or correction?

If your committee files electronically, submit a completed electronic replacement Form 1 or Form 2, as appropriate. If your committee files on paper, submit a new paper FEC Form 1 or 2, as appropriate, completing only the committee identification section and any other sections of the form that disclose new information. As with other filings, the treasurer or designated assistant treasurer must sign the form. Regardless of whether you file electronically or on paper, be sure to designate the filing as an amendment.

For additional information on updating your FEC Forms 1 and 2, contact the FEC’s Information Division at 800-424-9530 or 202-694-1100.