ARTICLE · 07 MAY 2025

Federal Election Commission Loses Quorum

Perkins Coie LLP

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For the fourth time in its 50-year history, the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the independent agency responsible for the administration and civil enforcement of the federal campaign finance laws, has lost a quorum of its members.

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector

Antoinette Fuoto

Key Takeaways

After Commissioner Allen Dickerson's departure, the FEC, a six-member agency, is left with three commissioners.
Because actions pertaining to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 require a four-vote majority in the FEC, the capabilities of the remaining commissioners are significantly limited.
Quorum must be restored in order to begin new investigations, approve settlement agreements, authorize staff to defend against challenges to FEC actions, and more.
While FEC enforcement is on hold, those regulated by the agency should remain diligent about compliance, as consequences for violations are still possible through other avenues.

For the fourth time in its 50-year history, the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the independent agency responsible for the administration and civil enforcement of the federal campaign finance laws, has lost a quorum of its members. The FEC needs four votes to enforce the laws governing how campaigns may

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