Campaign commercials are inundating Pennsylvania as election activity increases, with candidates and political groups purchasing airtime on television, streaming platforms and social media to reach voters.
The advertisements are legal under state and federal law and are protected by the First Amendment, according to a community announcement. Candidates seeking offices ranging from local government positions to the White House are allowed to use paid advertising as part of their campaigns.
Many political ads end with a candidate delivering a brief statement such as, "I'm John Smith, and I approve this message." While the phrase has become a familiar feature of campaign advertising, federal law requires it for certain candidates.
The requirement
comes from the "Stand By Your Ad" provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, commonly known as theMcCain-Feingold Act. The law requires candidates running for federal offices, including president, U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, to identify themselves and personally approve the content of television and radio advertisements.
Why candidates say they approve campaign ads
The disclosure requirement was designed to increase transparency in political advertising by making it clear who is responsible for the message being presented to voters.
Political experts say the rule also seeks to discourage misleading or deceptive campaign advertising by directly linking candidates to the content of their messages.
Federal candidates must include the approval statement in qualifying television and radio advertisements, helping voters identify the source of the communication.
This story was produced by reporter Gabby Sartori, [gsartori@usatodayco.com], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why campaign commercials are legal in Pennsylvania
