Anyone who has contributed the reporting minimums to a political campaign can be searched through The Federal Election Commission who records all receipts.  You can also get information on campaign finance and search the disclosure database.  If you can’t find answers on their site, you can contact the FEC’s Information Division, toll-free at 800-424-9530 or by e-mail at info@fec.gov.  A search may also yield important clues for those that have served in the legislature, conducted a campaign, or otherwise been involved in election activities.  

The following list of data connected to individual contributors as found on the FEC website:

The Commission maintains a database of individuals who have made contributions to political committees. For 1977 to 1988, contributions of $500 or more were entered. For 1989 to the present, contributions of $200 or more are included. Data on individual contributors includes the following:

• Name
• Occupation or principal place of business
• City
• State
• Zip code
• Date of transaction
• Amount of contribution
• Name of committee disclosing the contribution

The following are examples of the various types of contributor searches that may be conducted:

• Search an individual contributor by their last and/or first name.
• Search an individual contributor by their principal place of business or occupation.
• Search an individual contributor by their city, and/or state and/or zip code.
• Search by the date of the contribution or by the amount of the contribution.
• Search for a contribution by the committee receiving the contribution.

Individual contributor searches may be performed one at a time or in multiple Combinations to narrow the actual search. Example: All contributions to a particular committee on a specific date or all contributions to a candidate from contributors who list the same principal place of business.

A public records office is located here:

999 E Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20463

202-694-1120 / 800-424-9530 / FAX 202-501-0693
FAXLINE 202-501-3413

http://www.fec.gov

pubrec@fec.gov

Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
Extended hours during reporting periods

In an upcoming article, I will post tips on how to use voter registration rolls in your search.  In the meantime, visit the Election Assistance Commission web site and download a copy of the National Voter Registration Form if you wish to register to vote (but not if you wish to remain anonymous)!