The FEC must move quickly — and with the American people in mind — on overdue online ad disclosure

Today, in a welcome (if overdue) move, the perpetually gridlocked Federal Election Commission (FEC) unanimously voted to draft rules for online political ad disclosure. Issue One recently urged the FEC to take such action, noting that it’s “[a]t a time when malicious foreign actors are intent on hijacking the avenues Americans use to communicate, organize and debate with each other, it is critical that viewers have tools to help determine who is behind political advertising.”

However, as Issue One’s Chief of Policy, Programs and Strategy Meredith McGehee spelled out in a series of tweets, the commissioners must take into account the call from more than 100,000 Americans for real action, not just the interests of tech and media giants on the Hill.

2017 really is a year for surprises: The @FEC looks like they will FINALLY consider writing rules to clarify disclaimer requirements for online political ads

— Meredith McGehee (@IOMcGehee) November 16, 2017

Frankly, this is long overdue. That’s why this needs to move quickly. Action cannot be bottlenecked on decisions like ‘should we serve bagels vs donuts at meetings?’ https://t.co/1hqKhSnRej pic.twitter.com/RzwzqaCQ0z

— Meredith McGehee (@IOMcGehee) November 16, 2017

It’s imperative the commissioners don’t let the tech and media lobby have the final say. They must have the interests of the American people foremost in mind

— Meredith McGehee (@IOMcGehee) November 16, 2017

Yes, media and tech have a role to play, but they can’t have the ONLY role. Take their counsel with a grain of salt, and try to see past the companies’ interests when drafting rules

— Meredith McGehee (@IOMcGehee) November 16, 2017

The FEC must take into account the tens of thousands of Americans that made their voices heard on this issue, even though they don’t have Beltway expense accounts

— Meredith McGehee (@IOMcGehee) November 16, 2017