Campaign Finance Filing

The Virginia Department of Elections (ELECT) provides, free of charge, an online application for candidates and political committees to file campaign finance reports. As of 2012, COMmittee Electronic Tracking – known as COMET – replaced the desktop VAFiling software, which had been in use since 1999. Electronic filers (E-filers) who employ 3rd party software vendors to prepare and create their reports must use COMET to upload their campaign finance reports to the Department of Elections public website.  E-Filers who do not use third-party software must use COMET to prepare and submit their campaign finance reports.

COMET Step-by-Step:

1. Review the COMET User Manual or the COMET Quick User Guide
2. Establish an administrator account.
3. Create and submit a Statement of Organization (SOO).
4. Have authorized users create their account and add them to the committee.
5. Enter Line-Item entries (Receipts, Expenditures, and Loans/Debts).
6. Enter any Large Dollar and Large Pre-Election Contributions.
7. Manage your Contacts.
8. Prepare and Submit your Reports.

All questions, comments and faxes regarding COMET should be sent to cfda@elections.virginia.gov or faxed to (804) 786-1364.