(Boise, Idaho) – As Idahoans prepare to vote in the Nov. 3 General Election, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane is reminding candidates, political organizations, and individuals spending money to influence elections of their responsibility to comply with campaign finance disclosure laws.
The reminder follows complaints received by the Secretary of State’s Office regarding campaign materials related to Proposition 1 and concerns about text messages endorsing a federal candidate.
The text messages, addressed to “fellow Democratic Socialist,” do not identify the person or organization responsible for sending or paying for them. The Boise Democratic Socialists have publicly denied any connection to these messages. Federal campaign finance laws, administered by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), govern disclosure requirements for communications involving federal candidates and can result in significant fines.
Separate complaints concern materials opposing Proposition 1, including signs, handouts, and stickers. These materials also do not identify any person or organization 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.
“Idaho’s campaign finance laws exist to shine a light on political spending,” said Secretary McGrane. “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.”
“Free speech and the exchange of ideas are an important part of elections, and we welcome that,” McGrane continued. “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. 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.”
The Secretary of State’s office encourages anyone participating in political advertising to reach out if they have questions, to review the applicable disclosure requirements, and ensure their materials comply with the law.
Idahoans can also visit VoteIdaho.gov to explore campaign finance reporting for candidates and measures in Idaho.