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.