(10 ILCS 5/9-1.14)
Sec. 9-1.14. Electioneering communication.
(a) "Electioneering communication" means, for the purposes of this Article,
any broadcast, cable, or satellite communication, including radio, television, or Internet communication, that (1) refers to (i) a
clearly
identified candidate or candidates who will appear on the ballot for nomination for election, election, or retention, (ii) a clearly identified political party, or (iii) a clearly identified question of public policy that will appear on the ballot, (2) is made within (i) 60
days before a general election
or consolidated election or (ii) 30 days before a primary
election, (3) is targeted to the relevant electorate, and (4) is susceptible to no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against a clearly identified candidate for nomination for election, election, or retention, a political party, or a question of public policy.
(b) "Electioneering communication" does not include:
(1) A communication, other than an advertisement, appearing in a news story, commentary, |
| or editorial distributed through the facilities of any legitimate news organization, unless the facilities are owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate.
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(2) A communication made solely to promote a candidate debate or forum that is made by
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| or on behalf of the person sponsoring the debate or forum.
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(3) A communication made as part of a non-partisan activity designed to encourage
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| individuals to vote or to register to vote.
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(4) A communication by an organization operating and remaining in good standing under
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| Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
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(5) A communication exclusively between a labor organization, as defined under federal
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| or State law, and its members.
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(6) A communication exclusively between an organization formed under Section 501(c)(6)
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| of the Internal Revenue Code and its members.
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(Source: P.A. 96-832, eff. 7-1-10.)
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