Two Weeks Before Election Day, Idaho Secretary of State Warns Political Advertisers Must Disclose Who Pays, From Texts to Yard Signs
With two weeks remaining before the November 3 Election Day, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane this week reminded all candidates, political action committees and individuals that political advertisements paid for to influence voters must disclose who paid for them, regardless of which candidate or ballot position they support. The reminder followed multiple complaints received by the Secretary of State's office.
One complaint involved a mass text message sent on Monday endorsing U.S. Senator Jim Risch. The message addressed recipients as fellow Democratic Socialist but did not identify who sent or paid for it. The Boise chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America denied involvement with the message. Other complaints concerned signs, handouts and stickers opposing Proposition 1, a ballot initiative that would rescind Idaho's abortion ban.
McGrane said the disclosure rule covers signs, posters, stickers, text messages and digital advertisements. He said Idaho's campaign finance laws exist to shine a light on political spending, and that it is not about who or what a group supports or opposes, but about allowing Idahoans the opportunity to know who is influencing their vote. He also said political spending has increased significantly during this election cycle, and that federal campaign finance violations can lead to significant fines. The Secretary of State's office encouraged people with questions about political advertising to contact the office.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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