Elections & terms
independent expenditure
Spending that expressly supports or opposes a candidate but is made without coordinating with them. Unlimited in amount, and reported to the FEC.
In full
Because the spending is legally independent, it is treated as speech rather than as a contribution, so it cannot be capped. Coordination with the campaign converts it into an in-kind contribution subject to limits. Independent expenditures must be reported, and near an election they must be reported within 24 or 48 hours.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.