If you watched any of the Dodgers-Padres postseason playoff games on TV, you almost certainly saw a political ad. This is not unusual in the run-up to the election. In fact, there are fewer propositions on the ballot in California than usual, but that doesn’t make it any less confusing to figure out how to vote. During the year, for example, there are two different proposals on the table to expand the game.
Political advertising has achieved record spending this year. But even more troubling than the amount of money spent is that information confusion and political polarization make it harder than ever to discern facts from baseless claims or misinformation.
Some Californians may only receive information about ballot measures and election candidates from television ads. And strong local news operations that could provide a counterweight to misleading ads are disappearing in many communities across this state and across the country.
This is why it is imperative that state and federal political advertising regulations be updated to account for the loss of access to information, even as political actors become more adept at improving disinformation tactics.
Meaningful participation in a democracy depends on an informed citizenry, but many voters do not have access to the kind of news and information that would make this possible. Since 2004, California has lost 24% of its newspapers, and 14 California counties are essentially news deserts: places with no local news or a serious lack of local news resources.
Today, all that current state law generally requires is two to eight seconds of disclosure of who paid for the TV or radio ad. If it’s an advocacy group with a silly name (like Citizens for Sanity, which was behind an anti-immigrant ad at a Dodgers-Padres game), such disclosures won’t tell you much.
Television ads can be particularly problematic because people trust local news more than any other form of journalism and most Americans get most of their local news from local television stations. Viewers may mistakenly believe that their local network news has verified the ads or that the local 6 o’clock news has approved the ads, giving political disinformation the appearance of legitimacy.
This makes it even more important for voters to be clear about who is behind the ads they are seeing. More detailed disclosures will help voters better understand the organizations that pay for ads and their motivations. Ideally, the real requirements for pharmaceutical drugs will one day be applied to political ads as well.
There are changes that can be made by state and federal regulatory agencies to move in this direction.
Currently, all that the Federal Election Commission requires for television ads funded by political action committees is a “disclaimer” stating “the name of the political committee, corporation, labor organization, person or group that paid for the communication.” But it could also require that the sources of the text, images or footage used in the ad be made public.
Knowing who’s behind a PAC is critical, especially in the post-Citizens United world, where large sums of money can fill campaign seasons from undisclosed sources. Donor tracking is beyond the ability of the average citizen, so even asking for a link to a PAC’s website would be more than voters have now.
Electoral laws are difficult to change and very complicated. But voters are also consumers, and there may be ways for the Federal Trade Commission to act. The FTC’s job is to protect consumers under federal law, which requires that “advertising claims must be true, not misleading or unfair, and must be based on evidence.” If the FEC can’t adjust its regulations, perhaps the FTC will be able to step in.
In July 2021, after another election cycle set spending records, the California Fair Political Practices Commission recommended the creation of a database of political ads, but that database has not yet been implemented.
That database requirement could be an avenue for the Federal Communications Commission, which oversees the public airwaves. The FCC can require broadcasters to run a short message before any political ad saying the information hasn’t been verified by the network, such as health warnings that appear on tobacco and alcohol products. In the absence of federal action, California regulators and lawmakers should consider how to make similar changes at the state level.
Rethinking political advertising for the future of elections. Democracy depends on citizens making informed decisions. Fueled by disinformation, the tide of polarization will only get worse without reforms that give voters a fighting chance.
Nikki Usher is an associate professor of communication studies at the University of San Diego.
What are the current issues in California?
Main issues
- Agriculture California is home to the nation’s largest food and agriculture industry. …
- Climate change. Senator Feinstein has a proven track record of fighting to protect our climate and eliminate harmful greenhouse gases.
- Drug Caucus. …
- the economy …
- Education. …
- energy …
- Environment. …
- Foreign Affairs
Why is Dianne Feinstein famous? At 89, Feinstein is the oldest US senator. In March 2021, Feinstein became the longest serving United States Senator from California, surpassing Hiram Johnson. When Don Young died, he became the oldest member of Congress.
What important things are in California?
One of the most popular destinations in all of North America, California is known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland and Hollywood. Other things about California include Coachella, Wine Country, Silicon Valley and Surf Culture, in addition to the less obvious views and cultural aspects.
What is the number 1 attraction in California?
1: Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park is one of California’s top attractions. This wonderful desert is located along the Sierra Nevada mountains. Its granite cliffs and waterfalls are the kind of beauty that only exists on America’s West Coast: massive, majestic and breathtaking.
What is California state most known for?
California, the nation’s most populous state, is home to Hollywood stars, Silicon Valley technology, Napa Valley wines, and ancient Redwood and Sequoia forests. The Golden State is also one of the richest and most socially and politically influential in the country.
What do Democratic Republicans believe in?
| Democratic-Republican Party | |
|---|---|
| Ideology | Jefferson democracy Agrarianism Liberalism Anticlericalism Populism Republicanism |
| Political position | the left |
| the colors | Blue White Red |
| United States politics Political parties Elections |
What is the difference between the federalists and the democratic republicans? These two political parties were divided on the issue of the strength of the government. The Federalists favored a strong central government, while the Democratic-Republicans believed that state governments should be stronger than the central government.
What did Democratic-Republicans favor?
They believed that the Constitution was a “strict” document that clearly limited the powers of the federal government. Unlike the opposition Federalist Party, the Democratic-Republican Party said the government had no right to take additional powers to fulfill its obligations under the Constitution.
What values do Democrats support?
Democratic platforms seek to promote social programs, labor unions, consumer protection, workplace safety regulations, equal opportunity, disability rights, racial equality, environmental pollution regulations, and criminal justice reform.
What were the Democratic-Republicans in favor of?
They wanted to ensure a strong government and central banking system with a national bank. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison favored a smaller, more decentralized government, and founded the Democratic-Republicans.
What are 4 beliefs of the Democratic Party?
The social ideological elements of the party are cultural liberalism, civil libertarianism and feminism. Some democratic social policies include immigration reform, electoral reform, and women’s reproductive rights.
What are Republicans beliefs?
The Republican Party supports the ideologies of conservatism, social conservatism, and economic libertarianism, among others. Thus, Republicans advocate traditional values, low levels of government intervention, and strong support from the private sector.
What is the difference between Democratic and Republican government?
Republic: “The state in which the people and their electors have the highest power, and which has an elected or appointed president rather than a monarch.” Democracy: “A system of government by the entire population or all eligible members of a state, usually through elected officials.”
What are the Democratic Party main beliefs?
The Democratic Party (its logo is a donkey) generally represents left-leaning, liberal, and progressive ideological values, thus favoring a strong government to regulate business and support American citizens. Thus, one of the main values that democrats emphasize is social responsibility.
What are 5 beliefs of the Republican Party?
The modern GOP supports small government, deregulation, lower taxes, gun rights, restrictions on immigration (including restrictions on illegal immigration), restrictions on abortion, cuts to unions, and increased military spending.
What are Republicans beliefs?
The Republican Party supports the ideologies of conservatism, social conservatism, and economic libertarianism, among others. Thus, Republicans advocate traditional values, low levels of government intervention, and strong support from the private sector.
Who is the oldest politician?
The oldest living former head of state is Khamtai Siphandone of Laos, aged 98 years and 255 days. Current incumbent leaders are in bold purple, and Cameroon’s Paul Biya is the oldest head of state.
.
What does democratic mean in politics?
Democracy (from ancient Greek: δεμοκρατία, romanized: dēmokratía, dēmos ‘people’ and kratos ‘rule’) is a form of government in which the people have the power to deliberate and decide on legislation (“direct democracy”) or elect. government officials for this ("representative democracy").
What does democracy literally mean? The word “democracy” originates from the Greek language. It combines two shorter words: “demos” meaning the entire citizenry living in a particular city-state and “kratos” meaning power or rule.
What does it mean being a democratic?
adjective Something democratic is based on the idea that everyone should have equal rights and participate in making important decisions. Education is the foundation of a democratic society.
What does it mean for a person to be democratic?
1. A person who believes in and defends the government of the people; an advocate of majority rule. 2. A person who believes in and practices the principle of equal rights, opportunities and treatment.
What are the beliefs of a Democrat?
The Democratic Party (its logo is a donkey) generally represents left-leaning, liberal, and progressive ideological values, thus favoring a strong government to regulate business and support American citizens. Thus, one of the main values that democrats emphasize is social responsibility.
What is an example of democratic?
Voting is a way to participate in our democracy. Citizens can also contact their officials when they want to approve or change a law. Voting in elections and engaging with our elected officials are two ways Americans can participate in their democracy. A voting booth in Atascadero, California in 2008.
What are the 2 types of democratic?
Representative democracy is an indirect democracy, where sovereignty is held by the representatives of the people. Liberal democracy is a representative democracy that protects individual liberty and property under the rule of law.
What is a simple example of democracy?
Democracy and participation The most obvious ways to participate in government are to vote or run for office and represent the people.
Sources :