Getting Started

Welcome to Operative! This guide is intended to help you get started with your new Operative workspace. You’ll get a quick overview of how to log in, as well as the platform’s core functions:

Adding and managing data
Preparing data for reporting
Generating FEC reports

For more detail on each step, we’ve provided links to dedicated articles you can explore when you’re ready. Let’s begin by logging in:

Logging In

Once you receive confirmation via email that you have been set up with an account, you’re ready to log in!

Navigate to app.operative.vote
In the Log-in panel, click the blue Forgot password? link. Operative does not set temporary passwords for new users.
Enter in the email address that was used to create your account, and click the Reset password button. You’ll then receive an email with a Verification Code from support@operative.vote.
On the next screen, enter your Operative Verification Code.
Enter a new password of your choice, and select the blue Confirm password reset button. Passwords must meet all of the following requirements:
- At least 15 characters long
- Includes at least one uppercase letter
- Includes at least one digit
- Includes at least one special character
On the next log-in screen, enter your email and new password, then click the blue log-in button.
You’ll then be prompted to set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This step is mandatory for all Operative users.
- Scan the QR code on screen with your authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator)
- In your authenticator app, you’ll see a 6-digit code generated for Operative
- Enter the code into the Verification Code field
- Click Verify and Log in to finish

Workspace Settings

If you are the first user in a workspace, please set up your committee’s workspace settings. See more here.

After logging in, you’ll land on the Transactions page, where you can view all financial activity in your database.

From the left-hand navigation menu you can navigate between Operative’s three main modules:

Contacts - people and organizations
Transactions - contributions, disbursements, fees, bundles, etc.
Reports - draft or filed FEC reports

On the lower left corner, you’ll see your Name. If you click on your name, a drop-down menu expands, where you can navigate to your Profile and Logout of the platform. If you have access to multiple workspaces, My Workspaces will take you to a list of all the workspaces in your account.

If this is the first time you're logging in, your workspace is probably empty. So let's add some data!

Adding Data

The first step to preparing a report is to add data to your workspace. Operative supports three main record types:

Transactions – Contributions, disbursements, fees, bundles, etc.
Persons – Individuals, such as contributors or vendors
Organizations – Committees, PACs, or corporate entities

See below for more information on how to add contact or transaction data manually or via bulk upload.

Import Transactions
Add an Individual Transaction
Import Contacts
Add an Individual Contact or Organization

Preparing Data

Once your data is in Operative, the next step is to ensure it’s clean and ready for reporting. Built-in tools help you quickly review and resolve common issues:

Search & Filter – Create custom views of your transactions and contacts with powerful filters
Flags – Review automated flags that highlight missing or invalid information that could prevent you from filing a report
Scan for Dupes – Find and merge duplicate contact records
Merge – Combine multiple contact records into a single, clean record

Reporting

When your data is ready, navigate to the Reports tab in the left-hand navigation menu to create a new FEC filing. You’ll:

Select the form type
Define the reporting period
Review itemized transactions

Preparing a Report

Once you’ve created and reviewed your report, you can:

Download a .fec file
Generate a PDF preview
File electronically through Operative