Electioneering Communications Periods

Electioneering communications are television and radio communications that refer to a clearly identified federal candidate and are distributed to the relevant electorate within 60 days prior to a general election (including a special general or special general runoff) or 30 days prior to a primary, nominating convention or caucus (including a special primary). See 11 CFR 100.29. Individuals and other persons who make electioneering communications that aggregate in excess of $10,000 in the calendar year must file disclosure statements with the Commission within 24 hours of distribution to the public. See 11 CFR 104.20.

The chart below provide a breakdown of the electioneering communications periods for 2013-14 Special Elections. During these EC periods, 24-hour disclosure of electioneering communications is required. (Use FEC Form 9 [PDF].)

To see a chronological listing of electioneering communications dates, consult the FEC Calendar.

EC Periods for 2013-14 Special Elections

1 In the event that Special Runoff Elections are NOT necessary, the Special General Election will be held on November 5, 2013, instead of December 17, 2013.

2 In AO 2000-29 [PDF], the Commission determined that the last day to qualify for a position on the general election ballot in Louisiana--in this case 08/21/13-- must be considered the primary election date for Louisiana candidates. See 11 CFR 100.2(c)(4)(i). The special election for candidates seeking federal office is the special general election scheduled for 10/19/13. Additionally, under state law if no candidate in the 10/19/13 special general election receives over 50 percent of the vote, a special runoff election will be held on 11/16/13.