What Does “Paid for By” Mean on a Campaign Sign?
“Paid for by” is the disclaimer that tells voters who paid for a political sign — usually “Paid for by” and the name of the candidate’s committee. Federal campaigns carry one under FEC rules, most states require one for state and local races, and the wording, size and placement vary by state. We print the line you approve on your proof; checking the rule for your race is the campaign’s job.
What it usually says
The common form is “Paid for by” and the committee’s registered name — Paid for by Friends of Your Name. Some states add the treasurer’s name, the committee’s address, or whether the candidate authorized it. Ballot measure committees and outside groups often have their own wording.
Where it goes on a yard sign
Along the bottom edge, small but legible, in a color that contrasts with the background. Federal rules ask for a printed disclaimer to sit in a box set apart from the rest of the design, readable, with reasonable color contrast; some states set a minimum type size. When your rule gives a size, we set it at that size.
Who checks it
Your state election office or county clerk publishes the rule, and most campaign treasurers already know it. We are printers, not election lawyers: we set exactly the wording you give us, at the size you give us, and show it on the proof before anything prints.
Putting it on your order
Campaign orders on our yard-sign page have a “Paid for by” box on the order form; what you type there goes on the proof. If the line is already on your artwork, leave the box empty.
At a glance
| Usually reads | “Paid for by” + the committee’s name |
|---|---|
| Sometimes adds | Treasurer, address, or an authorization statement |
| Federal races | Required under FEC rules |
| State and local races | Required in most states; wording varies |
| Placement | Bottom edge, legible, contrasting color |
| Who sets the rule | Your state election office |
| What we do | Print the line you approve on the proof |
What we cannot do for you
- Tell you what your state requires. We are printers, not election lawyers; your state election office or county clerk publishes the rule.
- Add a union bug. Our signs are produced at non-union facilities, so we cannot print one.
Order campaign signs
Type the “Paid for by” line in the box on the order form and it goes on your proof.
Order with campaign pricing →