PDC discusses searchable digital archive of campaign ads

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Campaign finance officials are discussing the idea of building a searchable digital archive that collects campaign ads and information related to them.

The Seattle Times reports the idea was discussed at a Wednesday meeting of the Senate State Government, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee.

Officials with the state Public Disclosure Commission say a digital archive could shine sunlight on political ads bought through social-media companies like Google and Facebook.

PDC officials say that for now, a digital archive is a broad idea, but they say they hope to study the issue in the coming year and possibly approach state lawmakers in the 2021 legislative session.

A handful of other states are exploring the concept of such an archive, and the New York City Campaign Finance Board, which oversees election disclosure for local races there, already archives independent expenditure ads.