Disclosure and disclaimers provide different kinds of information. Reports can identify receipts, contributors covered by the governing rule, expenditures, dates, and recipients. A disclaimer printed or spoken in a communication identifies who paid and whether a candidate authorized it.

Disclosure serves voter-information, enforcement, and anti-circumvention interests, but it can burden privacy and association. Courts may consider a demonstrated threat of harassment while treating disclosure differently from a cap on spending. Duties also depend on the organization and communication.

Video lesson: Campaign finance | Political participation | US government and civics | Khan Academy