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:

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