Truth in Political Spending

Expose Hidden Funders Behind Every Ad

Problem

Many ads end with “Paid for by BigPAC” but no one knows who funds BigPAC. That makes it impossible to hold secret billionaires, industry groups, or out‐of‐state megadonors accountable.

How It Works

  1. Disclosure on Every Ad: Any TV, radio, or digital ad that meets the “political advertising” threshold (e.g., references “this referendum” or “that candidate”) must include at least the top 3 contributors or anyone who gave over $50K.
  2. Long‐Form Listing: For 30-second-plus ads (or digital “issue ads” clearly mentioning a candidate/measure), the sponsor must list each of those names on‐screen in readable type, or say “For a full list of donors, visit [state disclosure site].”
  3. Extend to Print & Outdoor: The same rule applies to mailers, billboards, and digital issue ads that reference a candidate or ballot measure—top donors must be visible on the face of the material.
  4. Enforcement & Penalties: Any missing or incorrect names carries a civil fine (e.g., $1,000 per missing name) and can trigger an audit or charter review of the sponsoring entity.

Why It Matters

  • Now, instead of simply “BigPAC,” you’ll see “BigPAC, funded by Alice Billionaire, PharmaCorp, and HonestFarms Trust.”
  • Viewers can immediately see where money comes from; journalists can fact-check donations in real time.
  • That heat turns down the volume on attack ads—no more anonymous “fear porn” without accountability.
  • Over time, secret money dries up because donors hate having their names splashed on a negative ad just before Election Day.

How You Can Help

  • Screenshot any ad that still shows only a PAC name and tag “@YourStateSOS” on social media to demand transparency.
  • Write a brief “What’s wrong with anonymous ads?” op‐ed for your local paper or neighborhood newsletter, illustrating how a shell LLC can hide a billionaire’s name.
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