A.8. Campaign Season

The processes of democracy rely on the consent of the governed. For the citizens to decide consent, campaigns must be truthful and be bounded by certain limits.

Candidates may begin gathering petition signatures or fulfilling other ballot qualification requirements at any time allowed by law. A candidacy is considered “declared” when the candidate or their designated representative, files the required signatures with the Federal Elections Commission. Signatures must be submitted no earlier than one year before, and no later than one hundred eighty days before, the election.

Once a Person declares their candidacy for federal office, they may not engage in public campaigning—including advertising, fundraising, or speech about the election—until the one hundred eighty (180) days before the election begin. During that period, candidates may speak about their own values, beliefs, and policies, but may not make materially false claims about themselves or other candidates for the purpose of misinforming voters.

Beginning one hundred eighty (180) days before a federal election, any other Person or group may engage in public advocacy related to the election. They may support or oppose specific policies, values, or ideas. They may also publicly endorse a candidate.