End Super PACs
What are Super PACs?
Last updated:
Super PACs are political committees that can raise and spend unlimited money to support or oppose candidates, as long as they do not coordinate with campaigns.
In 2023, 74.9% of Maine voters approved Question 1, capping Super PAC donations at $5,000.
What is the difference between Super PACs and PACs?
A traditional PAC can give money directly to candidates, but what it raises and gives is capped. A Super PAC cannot give to candidates directly, but it can take unlimited contributions and spend without limit on independent ads. Super PACs grew after the 2010 Citizens United decision. Current rules are published by the Federal Election Commission.
Super PACs vs PACs
| Question | Traditional PAC | Super PAC |
|---|---|---|
| Can give directly to candidates | Yes, within limits | No |
| Limits on what it can receive | Yes, federal limits | No federal limit |
| Limits on independent spending | Within rules | Unlimited |
| Can coordinate with campaigns | Through direct contributions | No |
| Under Maine Question 1 (2023) | Not the target | Donations capped at $5,000 |
What did Maine decide about Super PACs?
Maine voters passed Question 1 in 2023 with nearly 3 to 1 support, 74.9% voting yes, capping donations to Super PACs at $5,000. Opposition groups challenged the law. A win could set precedent for Super PAC contribution limits nationwide.
A $5,000 cap does not eliminate political speech. Elected officials know who funded their victory, and they govern accordingly.
“When unlimited money floods elections, voters lose. Maine said enough.”
Super PAC limits are the third part of the IVP mission. New supporters are encouraged to begin with open primaries, then explore More Choice Voting.
Common questions
- What are Super PACs?
- Super PACs are political committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts from individuals, corporations, and unions to support or oppose candidates, as long as they do not coordinate with campaigns or give money directly to them. They grew after the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision. The Federal Election Commission publishes the official rules at fec.gov.
- What is the difference between Super PACs and PACs?
- A traditional PAC can give money directly to candidates, but what it receives and gives is capped by federal contribution limits. A Super PAC cannot give directly to candidates, but it can accept unlimited contributions and spend unlimited amounts on independent ads. Check current limits on the Federal Election Commission website, fec.gov.
- What did Maine voters decide about Super PACs?
- In 2023, Maine voters passed Question 1, capping donations to Super PACs at $5,000. 74.9% of Maine voters said yes, nearly 3 to 1 support. FIVE, the Foundation for Independent Voter Education, is defending the law in court against legal challenges from opposition groups.
- Why does IVP want to limit Super PACs?
- IVP argues that unlimited contributions give a handful of wealthy donors more influence over who gets elected than millions of ordinary voters, and that officials then govern with their funders in mind. A $5,000 cap, IVP says, does not eliminate political speech. It levels the field for small donors and ordinary voters.
- Could Super PAC limits spread to other states?
- That is the goal. FIVE is defending Maine's law and building a legal framework to take the fight to all 50 states. A court win in Maine could set precedent for Super PAC contribution limits nationwide, which is why the case matters well beyond one state.
- How can I support limits on Super PACs?
- Start on IVP's Take Action page, where you can sign the petition to end Super PACs, donate, or subscribe for reform updates. The suggested order for new supporters is to begin with open primaries, then explore More Choice Voting, and join the Super PAC effort as part of the same mission.
Start with open primaries.
Signing the open primaries petition takes about 30 seconds. Then explore More Choice Voting, the reform that builds on it.