With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
How to decode those political mailers clogging up your mailbox
Students in a Fullerton College class evaluate political mailers.
(
Jill Replogle
)
A political science class at Fullerton College is sorting through campaign mailers to learn how to decode attack ads and who pays for them, and to understand how candidates try to sway voters. There are some lessons for the rest of us, too.
The assignment
In Jodi Balma's political science class recently, students broke into groups with piles of mailers sent out in the 45th Congressional district, where incumbent Republican Michelle Steel is facing off against Democrat Derek Tran. Students tallied up the negative and positive ads, analyzed the colors and messaging, and noted who paid for them.
-
Critics say the current state-approved housing plan will make the city overcrowded. -
The vote isn't certified yet, but a lot has happened since Election Day. -
The 4.1-mile service between Garden Grove and Santa Ana has been beset by delays.
Sponsored message
What's the point?
Balma said learning how to "diagnose" campaign ads is a skill students can take throughout their voting life.
"When you actually critically look at it in a classroom, you get a very different perspective than when it's in your mailbox," Balma said. "And so teaching that skill stays with the students forever."
A few tips about campaign mailers:
- Generally, political ads have to disclose who paid for them. California's Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC) has a handy fact sheet that lays out the basic rules.
- If you think an ad violates the rules, you can upload a photo of it or send a link to the FPPC's enforcement division and they'll review it.
- Voting early can help slow the flood of campaign ads to your mailbox. Sophisticated campaigns tailor their mailers to people they think they can sway.
Still working your way through the ballot? Head over to LAist.com/Vote for a guide to help you fill out your ballot.
We don't do endorsements. But we do help you break down the races, measures and issues that impact you most of all.
What questions do you have about this election?
You ask, and we'll answer: Whether it's about how to interpret the results or track your ballot, we're here to help you understand the 2024 general election on Nov. 5.
Trending on LAist
-
An LAist analysis found tech problems and policy changes during the 2024 count raise questions about a reported 10% downturn in unsheltered people in the city of Los Angeles. -
People Over Papers is a site that tracks crowd-sourced ICE sightings. As of Monday, the app had received 7.1 million unique visitors. -
Undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families are learning how to assert themselves — and prepare for worst-case scenarios. -
It’s a bittersweet moment for tens of thousands of fans who’ve watched the eagles grow through the YouTube livestream. -
Mayor Karen Bass said she'll consult with officials Wednesday on whether to extend the curfew. -
Metro's C and K rail lines directly connect to the new station.
Best of LAist
