With two weeks until Election Day, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane is reminding candidates, PACs and individuals to properly disclose any money spent to influence elections, according to a Tuesday press release.
McGrane’s office has recently received complaints on two fronts: a text message addressed to “fellow Democratic Socialist” that endorses U.S. Sen. Jim Risch and multiple complaints about materials opposing Proposition 1, a ballot initiative that would rescind the state’s abortion ban.
“Idaho’s campaign finance laws exist to shine a light on political spending,” McGrane said in the news release. “These laws apply to everyone, from grassroots campaigns to large organizations. Everything paid for, including signs, posters, stickers, text messages, and digital ads, should carry a disclosure indicating who paid for it.”
The Boise chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America has denied any involvement with the mass text message sent out Monday that claims the group endorses Risch.
“We want to let you know that NO chapters in Idaho are endorsing or recommending Jim Risch,” the Boise DSA wrote on Facebook.
McGrane stated the text message does not identify the person or organization that sent or paid for the message. Violating federal campaign finance laws, McGrane wrote, can result in “significant fines.”
The secretary of state has received several complaints regarding signs, handouts and stickers opposing Proposition 1 that do not identify the individual or group responsible for sending them.
“Idaho’s Sunshine Laws require all political spending to include a disclosure indicating who paid for it, and also carry fines for noncompliance,” according to the press release.
McGrane encourages anyone with questions on political advertising to reach out to his office.
“It’s not about who or what a group supports or opposes, it is about allowing Idahoans the opportunity to know who is influencing their vote,” McGrane stated. “We’ve seen a significant increase in political spending this cycle, and we want to make it clear that everyone must follow Idaho Sunshine laws.”
