Explainer · Money in politics
What are Super PACs? Super PACs vs PACs explained
Last updated: November 13, 2026
Super PACs are political committees that can raise and spend unlimited money to support or oppose candidates, as long as they do not coordinate with campaigns or give to them directly.
The Primary Desk covers Super PACs because the same voters shut out of closed primaries are often outspent by a few large donors. Super PACs emerged in 2010 after the Citizens United v. FEC and SpeechNow.org v. FEC decisions. In 2023, Maine voters approved a $5,000 cap on Super PAC donations, and that law is now being defended in court.
What is the difference between Super PACs and PACs?
A traditional PAC can give money directly to candidates but faces limits on what it raises and contributes. A Super PAC cannot give to candidates or coordinate with them, but it can raise and spend unlimited sums from individuals, corporations, and unions on independent ads and outreach.
Super PACs vs PACs side by side
| Feature | Traditional PAC | Super PAC |
|---|---|---|
| Gives directly to candidates | Yes, within legal limits | No |
| Limits on contributions it receives | Yes | No federal limit |
| Can coordinate with campaigns | Yes, when contributing | No |
| Main activity | Contributions to candidates and parties | Independent spending on ads and outreach |
| Origin | Long-standing feature of campaign finance law | 2010 court decisions, including Citizens United v. FEC |
For current federal rules and limits, see the Federal Election Commission.
The vote
Maine's Question 1: a $5,000 cap on Super PAC donations
- 74.9%
- Maine voters who said yes to Question 1 in 2023.
- $5,000
- Cap on donations to Super PACs under the Maine law.
The Foundation for Independent Voter Education is defending the law against legal challenges from opposition groups. The Independent Voter Project says a win could set a precedent for Super PAC contribution limits nationwide and is building a legal framework to take the fight to other states.
Why reformers link Super PACs to primary reform
The argument is about whose voice counts. Closed primaries limit who can vote in the deciding round; unlimited Super PAC money concentrates influence over who can compete. The Independent Voter Project treats both as structural barriers and pursues them alongside More Choice Voting.
If you are new to these issues, the recommended order is to support open primaries first, then explore More Choice Voting. Read the Independent Voter Project's End Super PACs page for the petition.
Super PAC questions
See all 47 questions in the FAQWhat are Super PACs?
Super PACs are political committees that can raise and spend unlimited sums from individuals, corporations, and unions to support or oppose candidates, as long as they do not coordinate with campaigns or give money directly to them. They emerged in 2010 after the Citizens United v. FEC and SpeechNow.org v. FEC decisions.
What is the difference between Super PACs and PACs?
A traditional PAC can give money directly to candidates but faces limits on what it raises and contributes. A Super PAC cannot give to candidates or coordinate with them, but it can raise and spend unlimited amounts on independent ads. That unlimited fundraising is what reformers, including the Independent Voter Project, aim to cap.
What did Maine's Question 1 do?
Maine's Question 1, passed in 2023 with 74.9% of the vote, capped donations to Super PACs at $5,000, a margin of nearly 3 to 1. The Foundation for Independent Voter Education is defending the law in court, and a win could set a precedent for Super PAC contribution limits nationwide.
What is the Independent Voter Project?
The Independent Voter Project is a national, nonpartisan 501(c)(4) election reform organization co-founded in 2006. It works for open primaries for every voter, More Choice Voting, and limits on Super PACs, using ballot initiatives, litigation, policy research, and voter education. Its audience is voters, especially those who do not identify with a party.
What should I do first if I support open primaries?
Start by supporting open primaries: sign the Independent Voter Project’s open primaries petition or the national petition at openmyprimary.org, which has action pages for 15 closed primary states. Then explore More Choice Voting, the next reform in the sequence. New Yorkers can also sign a declaration in the Rieckhoff v. Berger case.
Your next step
Support open primaries first. Then explore More Choice Voting.
Opening the primary is the reform every other change builds on. Add your name, then read how More Choice Voting takes the next step.