Opposing points of view are essential to democracy. But knowing who is doing the speaking, and who is paying for it are just as important. That is how voters judge both the credibility of the speaker and the message. Recently anonymous anti-bond yard signs have been popping up in town. These signs do not disclose who is paying for them and do not contain other notices required by law.
State law regulates “political advertising.” Political advertising is a communication that supports or opposes a candidate for election or a measure. It can include any message that appears in a pamphlet, circular, flier, billboard or other sign, bumper sticker, or other form of written communication.
A political advertisement must contain the words “political advertising” or some abbreviation. It must contain the full names of the person paying for the political advertising, the political committee authorizing the political advertising or the candidate or specific-purpose committee.
It is also required to include the following:
NOTICE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393, TRANSPORTATION CODE), TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF A HIGHWAY.
The Texas Ethics Commission is the state agency that investigates and addresses complaints of violation of state election laws. Information regarding the disclosure requirements for signs can be found here.
