As we move closer to the party nominating conventions, and then the fall general elections, there will be increased opportunities for printers to receive orders from candidates; so, it’s a good time to review some aspects of political printing which surface during election season.

#1 – You can turn down a job for any reason or no reason. There is no legal obligation requiring you to print something you don’t agree with.

#2 – The union “bug.” If you do not have a union label agreement, you cannot print or bind such material. The only instance where a non-union printer could be involved would be if a letterhead with the bug is supplied and the candidate provides the content for the imprinting. If the content is already on the letterhead/document, you cannot reproduce it, fold it, or do anything else to it.

#3 – There is a long history of printers not being paid by candidates or special interest groups, especially losing ones. The best approach is to get a large down payment, and then collect the balance upon delivery. Make sure that all paperwork is completed and everything (quotes, PO’s, delivery receipts) is kept. This is one time when a verbal OK and a handshake is simply not a good idea.

#4 – Familiarize yourself with the state laws regarding political printing. In Illinois and Indiana, there is specific language which must be placed on political advertising –and the printer may be held responsible.

Illinois Political Printing Disclaimer Requirements
Indiana Political Printing Disclaimer Requirements
Federal Political Printing Disclaimer Requirements