Increase disclosure requirements for campaign-related spending by: corporations, unions, and other groups; individuals or groups paying for TV or radio ads; and federal contractors
Current law requires disclosure of donors to campaigns and some political organizations, but 'dark money' groups can spend unlimited amounts on political advertising without disclosing their donors. A proposal would expand disclosure requirements so that voters know who is funding political advertising.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
Disclosure makes it harder for donors to get a quid pro quo from politicians they fund, since the relationship is public. Voters have a right to know who is paying for the political ads they see — that information is essential to evaluating those ads and the candidates they support.
Con Argument
Forced disclosure can chill legitimate political participation — donors to controversial causes have faced harassment and threats. People should be able to support causes they believe in without fear of retaliation.
Source document: Campaign-Finance-Quaire-0518-Updated-042820.pdf
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | – | – | – | – | other |
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 83% | 85% | 85% | 0% | favor |
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 81% | 80% | 85% | 5% | favor |
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 81% | 82% | 83% | 1% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | August 2017 | 85% | 83% | 88% | 5% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | August 2017 | 82% | 77% | 88% | 11% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | August 2017 | 81% | 74% | 89% | 15% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | August 2017 | 85% | 84% | 89% | 5% | favor |
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
While many forms of campaign-related donations and spending are required to be publicly disclosed, there are donations that can be made anonymously to certain organizations that can support candidates and political causes. Here are some proposals that require greater disclosure of campaign financing:
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Require corporations, unions, and other groups, when spending money on campaign-related activities, to immediately report this to their shareholders and members, to the public, and to the Federal Election Commission.
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Require the Federal Election Commission to publicly disclose the names of significant donors paying for TV or radio ads in support of candidates or related to controversial public issues.
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Require federal contractors to publicly disclose their donations to groups that spend money on campaign-related activities.
Program for Public Consultation — August 2017
Currently, when corporations, unions, and other groups spend money on their own campaign-related activity, such as running a TV ad that is supportive of a candidate, they do not have to report it. This proposal would require that these groups: report this spending, within 24 hours, to their shareholders and members; make this information available to the public on their websites; report it to the Federal Election Commission.
Program for Public Consultation — August 2017
Require that all individuals or organizations that donate or receive a total of $10,000 or more for campaign-related activities promptly register with the Federal Election Commission, and have their name and the amount of the donations listed on the Commission's website.
Program for Public Consultation — August 2017
The Federal Communications Commission would require the public disclosure of the names of significant donors in paying for TV or radio ads in support of candidates or related to controversial public issues.
Program for Public Consultation — August 2017
The President requiring Federal contractors to publicly disclose their donations to groups that spend money on campaign-related activities?
Related Policies
Pass a new Constitutional amendment allowing Congress and states to restrict corporations and PACs from spending money to influence elections
82% national support
Encourage small campaign donors by providing a tax credit for small donations
67% national support
Continue the restrictions on non-profit organizations' political activity
79% national support