Brewer and Wong discuss enforcement gaps on ballot question communications
Brewer says New York City rules on election-adjacent communications are well articulated but not always enforced, and Wong says the public may not distinguish flu shot reminders from political propaganda about ballot proposals, arguing the distinction must be defined and labeled as paid for by taxpayers.
So I think that, sorry, as an academic, I think we have to have a separate conversation about those regulations and guidelines because it's complex and there's a lot of examples from around the world.
I just want to say, having done this for many years, those are usually in New York City very well articulated, to be honest with you.
However.
They're not always enforced.
So there is that we heard earlier from the agencies that many of the bills are good, but they already exist.
We don't have, in my opinion, that's my opinion, not a great enforcement, particularly on these ballot questions.
I can go on and on about what you are or not.
supposed to do at different times.
Yeah, oversight is tough.
Are you, any more?
Quickly.
Again, the public may not be sophisticated, able to distinguish, oh, that is a message reminding me to take flu shots or from that is a political propaganda telling me about
these ballot proposals in November hinting that which way I should vote.
So I think that distinction has to be defined and has to be clearly specified that is paid for by the tax dollars, taxpayers of New York City.
And right now it doesn't look like it, okay?
As we approach the election day, I think we'll be seeing more and more of these videos.
And that is dangerous.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
We look forward to continuing to work with you.
The next panel is Rachel Fowles, Susan Lerner, and Grace Rao.