January 5, 2023

CONTACT:

Alana Joyce

Executive Director

703-245-8021

[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AAPC APPLAUDS TWITTER’S DECISION TO ALLOW FOR POLITICAL SPEECH AND THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) applauds Twitter’s decision to allow cause-based ads and the return of political advertising on the platform. Social media platforms are a critical means for campaigns to reach a broad audience of voters, especially young and diverse audiences who may not access traditional forms of media.

“Twitter’s plans to reinstate cause-based advertising on its platform is a major win for the democratic process and the ability for campaigns to inform voters about issues they care about,” said Becki Donatelli, Republican consultant and President of AAPC.

AAPC also applauds Twitter for stating their advertising policy will align with that of TV and other media outlets.

“Leveling the playing field for political advertising allows candidates and issue organizations to clearly communicate with voters across all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, especially as consumer media habits change. Newer platforms, like streaming tv and radio, should follow Twitter’s example to allow direct communication with voters,” said Larry Huynh, Democratic consultant and Vice President of AAPC.

AAPC steadfastly supports the foundational principles of political free speech enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and urges full access to social media networks, email service providers, texting platforms, and digital news and content publishers for all official campaigns and political and non-profit organizations.

AAPC believes that suppression of political advertising ultimately reduces the ability of people to participate and learn about the democratic process – including the candidates, and political organizations, and policy issues that matter to them. Suppressing advertising is restricting free speech and an official campaigns ability to reach a broad community online.

AAPC stands ready to work with all media partners to develop strong policies to uncover and stop misinformation while protecting free speech for campaigns and issue advocacy efforts.

About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC Foundation supports efforts to protect free speech, defend democracy, and prepare the next generation of political consultants to thrive. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

###