Rule 111:2-4-18 | Political communications.
(A) The following articles are exempted from the disclaimer or identification requirements of section 3517.20 of the Revised Code:
(1) Badges or buttons that have a pin or clasp backing for attaching to clothing;
(2) Balloons;
(3) Cups and mugs;
(4) Combs;
(5) Emery boards;
(6) Key tags, key rings, or key fobs;
(7) Lapel pins, charms, tie tacks, rings, and other items of jewelry;
(8) Letter openers;
(9) Pencils;
(10) Pens;
(11) Standard measuring rulers not more than twelve inches long;
(12) Sponges;
(13) Golf balls and golf tees;
(14) Insulated beverage sleeves;
(15) Tee shirts, caps, hats, facial coverings, and other articles of clothing;
(16) Individually wrapped candy;
(17) Magnets measuring two and one-half inches by three inches or less, or seven and one-half square inches or less, or three inches in diameter or less;
(18) Stickers, labels, decals, or any other printed material with an adhesive back measuring two and one-half inches by three inches or less, or seven and one-half square inches or less, or three inches in diameter or less.
(19) Plastic discs, designed to be sailed with a flip of the wrist for recreation or competition;
(20) Plastic bags;
(21) Plastic or wooden sticks manufactured for the purpose of stirring paint;
(22) Flyswatters;
(23) Chip clips;
(24) Banners that are towed by an aircraft in flight
(25) Status updates or messages posted on a social media website where a home page for the committee exists that properly identifies the committee.
(B) Specific exemptions for articles not listed above may be obtained by sending a written request via electronic mail or to the "Office of the Secretary of State, Campaign Finance Division, 22 North Fourth Street, 15th floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3668." A request for a specific exemption must contain a complete description of the article to be exempted, including a photocopy or other reproduction of the article and the exact dimensions of the article, a brief statement explaining why the exemption should be granted, and the address and telephone number of the person making the request.
(C) Specific exemptions may be granted to articles similar to those listed in paragraph (A) of this rule, the size or nature of which makes it unreasonable to add a disclaimer.
(D) Specific exemptions will not be granted to printed political communications such as placards, posters, signs, newspaper and magazine advertisements, match books, billboards, flyers, handbills, or business cards or any other printed material measuring more than two and one-half by three inches, or more than seven and one-half square inches, or more than three inches in diameter.
(E) When a campaign committee makes a political communication, as defined in section 3517.20 of the Revised Code, using items that are, and will be reported as, in-kind contributions received from an individual or other entity, the use of the recipient candidate's campaign committee full disclaimer will fully satisfy the disclaimer requirement of section 3517.20 of the Revised Code.
Last updated October 5, 2021 at 8:51 AM
Supplemental Information