LANSING — Making a point that the public has a right to know who is behind some of the most negative advertising in political campaigning, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, proposed a sweeping new disclosure rule.

“In a country where free speech is protected, these ads are part of the political landscape and we can’t stop them — but when they try to influence an election, we can make sure the public knows who is paying for them,” said Johnson.

Specifically, Johnson’s proposal targets political ads that try to persuade voters about the worthiness or unworthiness of a candidate or proposal without actually using the words “vote for” or “elect.” They often encourage voters to contact a specific candidate, as in “call candidate Smith and tell her she shouldn’t ignore senior citizens” or “go online to let candidate Jones know you care about how he is wasting tax dollars.”

Because of a loophole in Michigan law, those electioneering ads — which are carefully crafted to meet the letter of the law — do not currently require any campaign finance reporting. 

Johnson proposed a new administrative rule to require sponsors of those types of ads, whether positive or negative, to file formal reports with the state and meet all current campaign finance disclosure requirements. Those requirements would apply for ads appearing in the 30 days leading up to a primary election and in the 60 days leading up to a general election. The proposal would affect all electioneering advertising, including print, online, TV and radio spots.

As Secretary of State, Johnson has the authority to promulgate new rules through the administrative rules process, which includes public hearings, required cost analysis and other reviews. She submitted a draft proposal today to the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, which oversees the administrative rules process.