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The current political landscape is ever-changing, especially online. The Federal Elections Commission (as of 9.6.2019) has yet to release any guidelines, rules, or restrictions for digital advertising. The industry has chosen to self regulate, with changes happening at any time and without notice. Electable is subject to all new changes and at times, arbitrary decisions made by those who run the ads; Facebook, Instagram, supply side partners (SSPs) and digital ad exchanges. We will continue to work through any issues and set proper timelines, but we can not make promises for things that may be out of our control. ​

 

Current Rules & Guidelines in Facebook/ Instagram

 

All US advertisers running ads about social issues, elections or politics are required to complete the ad authorization process before running ads to people in the US. However, it's up to you, the advertiser, to comply with all applicable election and advertising laws and regulations. We hope that the ad authorization process will help candidates, political parties and other organizations provide people with more information about who's behind the ads they're seeing.

 

Definition of an ad about social issues, elections or politics

 

Is made by, on behalf of, or about a current or former candidate for public office, a political figure, a political party, a political action committee, or advocates for the outcome of an election to public office; or

Is about any election, referendum, or ballot initiative, including "get out the vote" or election information campaigns; or

Is about social issues in any place where the ad is being run; or

Is regulated as political advertising.

 

Specifications

 

• Availability of ad authorization: The authorization process for advertisers running ads about social issues, elections or politics is available for US advertisers who reside in the US and who plan to target the US with ads.

• Documents required to set up ad authorization: A US driver's license, US state ID card or US passport.

• Compatible placements and ad formats: Once authorized, you can run ads about social issues, elections or politics on Facebook and Instagram using any ad format except dynamic ads and boosted continuous live video. Currently, these ads can't run on the WhatsApp, Messenger and Audience Network placements.

• Ad Library: Any ads about social issues, elections or politics that target the US will be eligible to be added to the Ad Library, even if the advertiser who created them doesn’t reside in the US and/or hasn't completed the ad authorization process. The Ad Library includes all active ads that are currently running, ads that have stopped running, ads that an advertiser deleted and ads that were active before being disapproved due to policy violations.

• Social issues ads: The social issues list is an initial list of issues that will be considered to require advertiser authorization and labeling for ads targeting the US. We expect this list may evolve over time.

 

 

Current Rules & Guidelines across the Digital Advertising Exchanges (the Internet)

 

• Any political campaign must adhere to applicable laws and industry standards for any location campaign targets.

• Cannot target the following countries: Brazil, Morocco, Pakistan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

• Campaigns related to ballot measures and candidates for state and local elections in the following states are prohibited: Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Washington

• All political advertising is prohibited in Canada

• Negative or pointed ad content must be pre-approved by partner in cooperation with our inventory sources.

• Disparaging or attack ads directed at an individual (candidate) are never allowed.

• All ads must show a disclosure that identifies who has paid for the ad.

• "Political Content" includes (but is not limited to) the following: political organizations, political parties, political issue advocacy or fundraising, and individual candidates and politicians.

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