Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations require specific disclaimers on campaign websites and digital communications. Getting these disclaimers right is not optional—violations can result in complaints, investigations, and fines. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about creating an FEC compliant website, from basic requirements to proper placement and common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding FEC Disclaimer Requirements
The FEC requires disclaimers on public communications to ensure voters know who is responsible for political messages. For campaign websites, this means clearly identifying your campaign committee and indicating whether communications are authorized by a candidate.
These requirements stem from federal election law designed to promote transparency in political communications. While the rules may seem bureaucratic, they serve the important purpose of helping voters understand who is speaking to them and who paid for the message.
Who Must Include FEC Disclaimers?
FEC disclaimer requirements apply to different entities in different ways. Understanding which rules apply to your situation is the first step toward compliance.
Candidate Committees
If you are running for federal office (President, Senate, or House of Representatives), your campaign committee must include disclaimers on your website and other public communications. This includes:
- Official campaign websites
- Campaign emails to supporters
- Digital advertisements
- Social media posts that are promoted or paid
- Any other public communications paid for by your committee
State and Local Candidates
If you are running for state or local office, FEC rules do not directly apply to your campaign. However, most states have their own disclaimer requirements that may be similar to or different from federal rules. Check your state election commission's guidelines for specific requirements. For local race-specific guidance, see our guides on city council campaign websites and school board campaign websites.
Even if not legally required, including clear disclaimers on your campaign website is a best practice that builds voter trust and demonstrates professionalism.
Political Committees and PACs
Political action committees, super PACs, and other political organizations have their own disclaimer requirements. These vary based on whether communications are coordinated with candidates or made independently.
Required Disclaimer Elements
FEC compliant website disclaimers must include specific information, presented in a specific way. Missing any required element can result in a violation.
For Authorized Campaign Communications
When a candidate or their authorized committee pays for a communication, the disclaimer must include:
- The name of the candidate's authorized committee that paid for the communication
- A statement that the communication is authorized by the candidate
- The committee's street address, telephone number, or website URL
A standard authorized disclaimer reads: "Paid for by [Committee Name]. Authorized by [Candidate Name] for [Office]." followed by contact information.
For Unauthorized Communications
When someone other than the candidate pays for a communication about a candidate, different rules apply. The disclaimer must include:
- The name of the organization or individual who paid
- A statement indicating the communication is not authorized by any candidate
- Permanent street address, telephone number, or website URL of the paying party
📌 Key Takeaway
FEC disclaimers for federal candidates must include: the exact registered committee name, authorization statement, and at least one form of contact (address, phone, or URL). Example: "Paid for by Smith for Congress. Authorized by Jane Smith for U.S. House of Representatives."
Proper Disclaimer Placement on Websites
Where you place your disclaimer matters almost as much as what it says. The FEC requires that disclaimers be clear and conspicuous.
General Placement Requirements
The disclaimer must appear in a location where it can be easily noticed and read. For websites, this typically means:
- Footer placement: Including the disclaimer in your website footer ensures it appears on every page
- Dedicated disclaimer page: Some campaigns include a detailed disclaimer page linked from the footer
- Homepage prominence: Consider additional disclaimer visibility on your homepage
Font and Visibility Requirements
The disclaimer must be of sufficient size to be clearly readable. While the FEC does not specify exact font sizes for digital content, the text should be:
- Large enough to read without difficulty
- In a color that contrasts sufficiently with the background
- Not obscured by other content or design elements
- Accessible on both desktop and mobile devices
Email and Digital Communication Disclaimers
Campaign emails and other digital communications have specific disclaimer requirements beyond your website.
Campaign Emails
All campaign emails must include the disclaimer. Best practices include:
- Placing the disclaimer at the bottom of the email
- Ensuring the text is readable (not tiny font)
- Including all required elements (committee name, authorization statement, contact info)
- Making the disclaimer visible regardless of email client or device
Digital Advertisements
Paid digital advertisements, including social media ads, require disclaimers. For ads with limited space, the FEC allows an adapted disclaimer approach that includes at minimum:
- The name of the person or committee who paid for the ad
- A clear indicator of the communication's political nature
Social Media Posts
Regular organic social media posts from campaign accounts generally do not require individual disclaimers, as the account identity serves this purpose. However, paid or promoted posts do require disclaimers, and platforms like Facebook have their own political advertising disclosure requirements.
Common FEC Disclaimer Mistakes
Many campaigns make avoidable errors with their disclaimers. Understanding common mistakes helps you maintain an FEC compliant website.
Missing or Incomplete Disclaimers
The most common violation is simply forgetting to include a disclaimer or leaving out required elements. Every public communication from your campaign needs a complete disclaimer. Ensure your website, emails, and ads all include every required element.
Illegible Disclaimers
A disclaimer that technically exists but cannot be easily read does not satisfy FEC requirements. Avoid:
- Extremely small font sizes
- Low contrast color combinations
- Disclaimers hidden in obscure locations
- Text that gets cut off on mobile devices
Incorrect Committee Names
Your disclaimer must use the exact official name of your registered committee. Common errors include:
- Using informal campaign names instead of registered committee names
- Abbreviating committee names incorrectly
- Misspelling the candidate's name
- Using outdated committee information after amendments
Missing Contact Information
Disclaimers require at least one form of contact information: street address, phone number, or website URL. Many campaigns forget this element, which creates a compliance gap.
📌 Key Takeaway
Common disclaimer violations include: missing or incomplete disclaimers, illegible text (too small or low contrast), incorrect committee names, and missing contact information. Regularly audit your website, emails, and ads to ensure all communications are compliant.
Sample Disclaimer Language
Here are examples of properly formatted disclaimers for different situations:
Standard Authorized Candidate Disclaimer
"Paid for by Smith for Congress. Authorized by Jane Smith for U.S. House of Representatives. www.smithforcongress.com"
Alternative Format With Address
"Paid for and authorized by Johnson Senate Campaign, 123 Main Street, Suite 100, Anytown, ST 12345"
Unauthorized Communication Disclaimer
"Paid for by Citizens for Good Government PAC (www.citizensforgoodgov.org). Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee."
FEC Disclaimer Requirements for Specific Content
Different types of campaign content may have specific disclaimer considerations.
Donation Pages
Your donation page is a public communication and requires a disclaimer. Additionally, donation pages often include separate FEC-required language about contribution limits, source restrictions, and reporting requirements. This contribution information is separate from your communication disclaimer. For more on setting up compliant donation pages, see our guide on setting up online campaign donations.
Volunteer and Event Pages
Pages soliciting volunteer support or promoting campaign events are public communications requiring disclaimers. Ensure your footer disclaimer appears on these pages, or include page-specific disclaimer language.
News and Blog Content
Campaign blog posts, news updates, and other content on your website are public communications. The footer disclaimer covering your entire site typically satisfies this requirement.
Maintaining Compliance Over Time
FEC compliance is not a one-time task. Your campaign must maintain proper disclaimers throughout the election cycle.
Regular Compliance Audits
Periodically review your website and communications to ensure all disclaimers are present and correct. Check:
- Every page of your website
- All email templates and automated responses
- Active digital advertisements
- Social media profiles and promoted content
Updating After Committee Changes
If your committee files an amended Statement of Organization changing your committee name, treasurer, or address, update your disclaimers accordingly. Using outdated information can create compliance issues.
New Content Review
Before launching new communications—whether website pages, email campaigns, or advertisements—verify that proper disclaimers are included. Build disclaimer review into your content approval process.
📌 Key Takeaway
FEC compliance is ongoing, not one-time. Periodically audit all website pages, email templates, and advertisements. Update disclaimers after any committee amendments, and build disclaimer review into your content approval process for all new communications.
State and Local Disclaimer Requirements
While this guide focuses on FEC requirements for federal candidates, state and local candidates must comply with their own state's election laws.
Varying State Requirements
State disclaimer requirements vary significantly. Some states mirror federal requirements, while others have different rules about:
- Required disclaimer language
- Placement and visibility standards
- Which communications require disclaimers
- Treasurer identification requirements
- Registration number inclusion
Researching Your State's Rules
Check with your state's election commission or secretary of state office for specific requirements. Many states provide sample disclaimer language and guidance documents for candidates.
Building an FEC Compliant Website
Creating and maintaining disclaimer compliance does not have to be complicated. With the right approach and tools, you can ensure your campaign meets all legal requirements. For a complete pre-launch review process, see our campaign website launch checklist.
CandidateSites makes FEC compliance straightforward. Our templates include built-in footer disclaimers that you customize with your committee information. The disclaimer automatically appears on every page, ensuring consistent compliance across your entire site.
Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist to verify your website meets FEC disclaimer requirements:
- Committee name appears exactly as registered
- Authorization statement is included
- Contact information (address, phone, or URL) is present
- Disclaimer appears on every page
- Text is clearly readable on all devices
- Font size and color provide adequate visibility
- Email templates include complete disclaimers
- Donation page has appropriate language
When in Doubt, Consult an Expert
Campaign finance law can be complex, and the consequences of violations are serious. If you have questions about specific disclaimer requirements or unusual situations, consult with a campaign finance attorney or contact the FEC directly.
The FEC provides resources for candidates, including advisory opinions addressing specific questions and staff who can answer general compliance questions. Taking advantage of these resources helps ensure your campaign stays on the right side of the law.
Start Your Compliant Campaign Website
Disclaimer compliance is just one piece of running a successful campaign, but it is an essential piece. By understanding the requirements and building compliance into your website from the start, you can focus your energy on connecting with voters rather than worrying about legal issues.
CandidateSites helps you launch a professional, FEC compliant website quickly. Our platform includes all the features you need to run a successful campaign while meeting your legal obligations. Start building your compliant campaign website today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What disclaimer is required on a campaign website?
Federal campaign websites must include: the exact registered committee name, an authorization statement (e.g., "Authorized by [Candidate Name]"), and contact information (street address, phone number, or website URL). Example: "Paid for by Smith for Congress. Authorized by Jane Smith for U.S. House."
Where should I place the FEC disclaimer on my website?
Place your disclaimer in the website footer so it appears on every page. The text must be clearly readable with sufficient font size and color contrast. Some campaigns also include a dedicated disclaimer page linked from the footer for additional detail.
Do state and local campaign websites need FEC disclaimers?
FEC rules apply only to federal candidates (President, Senate, House). State and local candidates must follow their state's election commission guidelines, which vary significantly. Check your state's requirements, as many states have similar disclaimer rules.
What are common FEC disclaimer mistakes to avoid?
Common mistakes include: missing or incomplete disclaimers, using informal names instead of registered committee names, illegible text (too small or low contrast), missing contact information, and failing to update disclaimers after committee amendments.
Do campaign emails require FEC disclaimers?
Yes, all campaign emails must include the full disclaimer with committee name, authorization statement, and contact information. Place it at the bottom of each email and ensure it remains readable regardless of the email client or device used by recipients.