In what is expected to be a move to help streamline the Federal Election Commission reporting process, the group recently unveiled a new application that is a long time coming – and extremely necessary.
Campaign finance data has always been public, but that doesn't mean there's any guarantee it is easy to access. Several third-party sites have arisen over the years that do the legwork of combing through public information and turning it into an easily readable format, but now, the government is getting in on this as well.
A revolutionary change
In a recent announcement, the FEC noted how the group's first API follows years of technological evolution, as the group has moved from paper and microfilm in the 1970s and 1980s to the web in the following decades, and now its new API. Heralded as a way to search for candidates, committees and donors in a way like never before, it is expected to be the most interactive information organization system to date.
"Open source techniques will enable anyone – in the private or public sector – to use the technology."
The data has been collated around specific topics that are much more focused on user-experience than the deluge of information that could once only be acquired by filling out several forms. What's more, the creators used open source techniques that will enable anyone – in the private or public sector – to use the technology to make their own apps.
"The API is the backbone of OpenFEC — the FEC's next digital evolution," explained Lindsey Young, a specialist at the government's software development wing 18F. "It's also the first public release from our partnership. Be on the lookout for a new app and an eventual site redesign. As with all our projects, looking modern isn't just an aesthetic choice, it comes from smart design and asking actual website users what they want. Take a look at our interactive API documentation. It not only has a fresh look, but it's driven by modern technology underneath the hood."
What this means for the rest of us
The FEC API is now ready for use by any developer, and is expected to further the FEC's OpenFEC project. Bob Lannon of the Sunlight Foundation has already laid out basic rules for how developers can use the API, and the positive effects it could have.
"The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is taking a huge step forward by making data accessible through a modern API," Lannon wrote in a blog for the Sunlight Foundation.
"…the FEC is rethinking both its website and its data offerings to better serve its mission of educating the public with real-time disclosure of campaign finance information," he continued. "It's part of the larger OpenFEC project, and we think it's a very encouraging sign that this collaboration is going to improve access to a crucial information resource."
One of the more impressive aspects of the API is that it will include a live feed of submitted disclosures. It will also offer selective data views that enable users to look at smaller streams of data, rather than bulk data that requires additional resources – besides spreadsheets – to view.
What used to require immense technical skill to parse through this data is now offered through the API. A user can simply set the parameters for the data that is needed and submit a query. This is quite a departure from the days of manually scanning FEC compliance forms and submitted disclosures.
OpenFEC makes it easier to follow the money
The FEC has been committed to transparency since its conception in the 1970s, and has since made great strides in doing so. The API will continue to support this initiative by more easily releasing information on:
- Committees – All necessary information will be listed about groups like PACs that raise and spend money in elections. The interface will allow users to easily see how these committees change over time.
- Candidates – The API will list important details about candidates, give a clear history of campaign finance activity and note any committees that fundraise for a candidate
- Overall finance – Users can search for total spending and fundraising, and request major filing reports.
With more transparency surrounding the entire process, FEC compliance will be more important than ever. With all contributions and reports easily available to the public, any compliance issues could quickly be under the microscope of the media. The FEC readily expects everyone from journalists to academics and developers to make use of the technology.
While this added layer of transparency is ultimately good for everyone involved, it could require additional levels of checks when it comes to compliance. Be sure your PAC is ready for this challenge, and get in touch with PASS today.