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Federal Election Commission | United States of America
  • Tips for Treasurers

Reporting testing the waters activity

October 7, 2019

Before deciding to run for federal office, a potential candidate may wish to “test the waters” to explore the feasibility of a campaign without registering with the FEC. Testing the waters activities may include fundraising, conducting polls, and traveling around the state or district in order to gauge public support for a possible candidacy.

If the individual decides to run for federal office and has exceeded $5,000 in contributions or expenditures during the testing the waters period, then all financial activity (including any testing the waters activity) must be reported to the FEC.

For more information on testing the waters for federal office, please visit our testing the waters web page and YouTube video.

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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.