Jonah Patel
The length of American political campaigns has been a topic of discussion and debate. While there is no specified time limit for campaigns in the US, they are often perceived as being excessively long and tiresome for voters. The absence of laws restricting campaign durations in the US stands in contrast with other countries, which typically impose limits. This results in American voters being bombarded with election-related news and advertisements for extended periods, potentially influencing their voting behaviour and contributing to voter fatigue.
How long is the average American political campaign?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length of Campaign | No specified time limits in the US. The 2020 US presidential election campaign lasted for roughly two and a half years. |
| Comparison with other countries | Australia has a minimum campaign period of 33 days, and the UK's campaigns tend to last between five to six weeks. |
| Voter perception | Most Americans feel that recent presidential campaigns have "lasted too long". |
| Sub-campaigns | Fundraising, seeking support from party leaders and journalists, and rallying for votes. |
| Cost | The 2020 presidential election topped $14 billion in spending. |
| Effect on voter turnout | Long campaigns can induce voter fatigue and lead to low voter turnout. |
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What You'll Learn
The US has no laws limiting campaign lengths
The length of political campaigns in the US is not limited by law. While the US has laws that limit campaign spending and contributions, there are no laws that place time restrictions on how long a political campaign can be.
The US has a long history of regulating political campaigns, with the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) being enacted in 1974. The FECA was amended in 1976, with the Supreme Court upholding some parts and striking down others. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002, also known as the McCain-Feingold Act, banned "soft money" contributions to political parties, which was upheld by the court in McConnell v. Federal Election Commission (2003). However, in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), the court overturned earlier rulings and ruled that limiting corporate spending in campaigns was an unconstitutional violation of First Amendment rights.
Despite these regulations on campaign spending and contributions, there are no laws in the US that specifically address the length of political campaigns. This means that candidates can, in theory, campaign for as long as they wish. In practice, however, campaigns are often influenced by other factors such as cost and voter fatigue.
Recent US elections have been extremely expensive, with the 2020 presidential election costing over $14 billion. This includes $5.7 billion for the presidential campaigns and $8.7 billion spent on congressional races. The high cost of campaigning can be a significant factor in the length of campaigns, as candidates need to raise substantial funds to run a successful campaign.
Additionally, the omnipresence of campaigning in American life has led to a sense of fatigue among voters. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, most Americans feel that recent presidential campaigns have "lasted too long". This suggests that while there are no legal limits on campaign lengths, social and political pressures may influence how long campaigns choose to actively campaign.
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Voter fatigue and low turnout
The length of American political campaigns varies, but they are often perceived to be long-drawn-out affairs. This perception is influenced by the presence of "sub-campaigns", such as fundraising drives, and the sheer volume of elections, including House and Senate races, state and local elections, and ballot measures, in addition to the high-profile presidential primaries and elections.
Voter fatigue is a very real concern in American politics and can lead to low voter turnout. Voter fatigue occurs when voters are required to vote too frequently, or on too many issues, and the process becomes an annoyance. This is a particular issue in direct democracies, where multiple elections may occur in a single year.
Voters may also feel disengaged and apathetic due to a lack of trust in the candidates or a belief that their vote won't matter. Long lines at polling stations, especially on working days, can further discourage voters from participating.
Additionally, voter fatigue can be a symptom of voter suppression, where voting rules and environments are changed to decrease turnout by increasing the "cost" of voting. This can include making it more difficult to access relevant information, contributing to what is known as decision fatigue.
To combat voter fatigue and increase turnout, it has been proposed to consolidate the number of elections, simplify ballots, and make voting more accessible through measures such as e-democracy and proxy voting.
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High costs of campaigning
The length of American political campaigns is often a source of frustration for voters, with many feeling that they "last too long". This perception may be influenced by the high costs of campaigning, which can result in extended fundraising periods and the need for extensive financial support.
The cost of political campaigns in the United States has been rising, with recent elections being particularly expensive. For example, the 2020 presidential election saw total spending of over $14 billion, including $5.7 billion for the presidential campaigns alone. This was an increase from the previous record-breaking election in 2016. The high cost of campaigns can be attributed in part to the range of expenses that candidates must cover, such as travel, advertising, and staff salaries. Additionally, there are often multiple sub-campaigns that candidates must engage in, beyond simply seeking votes. These can include fundraising campaigns, campaigns to gain the support of party leaders and activists, and efforts to secure favourable media coverage.
The high costs of campaigning can also be influenced by the role of money in the American political system, including the impact of "dark money" and super PACs (political action committees). Dark money refers to political spending by groups that is not publicly disclosed, making it difficult to trace the source and amount of funds. Super PACs are a type of political committee that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections, as long as they do not directly coordinate with a candidate's campaign. The use of super PACs and dark money allows independent groups and special interests to play a significant role in elections, often favouring certain candidates with large financial contributions. This can result in an uneven playing field, where candidates with more financial backing have an advantage in terms of resources and media exposure.
To address the high costs of campaigning, there have been efforts to implement public funding programs for presidential elections. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund, for example, allows taxpayers to designate $3 of their taxes to the fund, which then provides financial support to eligible candidates. There are also spending limits and eligibility criteria in place for candidates who wish to receive public funds, with the aim of ensuring a more level playing field. However, the effectiveness of these measures can be limited, as not all candidates choose to participate in public funding programs, and there may be ways to circumvent spending limits.
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Candidates' travel and fundraising
In the early 19th century, candidates relied heavily on local surrogates to spread their message due to the challenges of travel. For example, President William McKinley ran a "front-porch campaign" in 1896, staying in Ohio while surrogates spoke on his behalf. However, with modern advancements in transportation, candidates can now easily travel across the country to rally support and fundraise. This travel aspect has become a significant feature of American political campaigns, with candidates embarking on nationwide tours to connect with voters directly.
Fundraising is another critical component of candidates' campaigns. Recent US elections have been extremely expensive, with the 2020 presidential election surpassing the previous record-breaking 2016 White House race, totalling more than $14 billion in spending. This includes $5.7 billion for the presidential campaigns and $8.7 billion for congressional races. The ability to raise substantial funds can significantly influence a candidate's success, and the lengthy campaign seasons in the US provide an extended period for fundraising efforts.
The absence of laws limiting campaign lengths in the US, unlike in other developed countries, contributes to the extended travel and fundraising periods. This can advantage wealthier candidates who can sustain the financial demands of a prolonged campaign. The vast sums of money involved in US elections are not always indicative of longer campaigns, but they underscore the importance of fundraising as a central aspect of candidates' travel and campaign strategies.
While the length of American political campaigns may be a topic of debate, the travel and fundraising components are essential for candidates seeking to secure support and financial resources for their bids for office.
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Foreign interference in long elections
The length of American political campaigns can vary depending on various factors, such as the specific election, the candidates involved, and the nature of the campaign strategy. While there is no definitive answer to how long the average American political campaign lasts, it is common for campaigns to begin well in advance of election day, sometimes even a year or more beforehand. This extended timeframe allows candidates to engage in multiple "sub-campaigns", including fundraising, seeking support from party leaders and activists, and garnering favourable media coverage.
Now, let's discuss the issue of foreign interference in these long American political campaigns:
Foreign interference in elections poses a significant threat to the integrity of American democracy and the principle of self-governance. Despite federal laws banning foreign nationals and governments from spending in federal, state, and local elections, foreign interests have found ways to exert influence. The digital revolution has introduced new challenges, as evident in the 2016 and 2018 elections, where foreign entities, notably Russia, spent substantial sums to sway public opinion and promote specific candidates through digital advertising and fake social media accounts. This exposure of vulnerabilities in campaign finance laws has prompted calls for updated regulations to address the evolving nature of election campaigns.
To combat foreign interference, states and local governments have taken steps to tighten restrictions on foreign campaign spending and stop secret political contributions. These measures aim to prevent foreign interests from exploiting loopholes and pouring money into ballot measure campaigns. Additionally, there are growing concerns about adversaries spreading propaganda and disinformation online, stoking political and social divisions. The issue of foreign-influenced corporations spending money on ballot measures further complicates the matter, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms to protect the democratic process.
The impact of foreign interference extends beyond the immediate election results. It undermines the trust of American citizens in their democratic institutions and the integrity of their electoral processes. Foreign actors can exploit social media platforms to amplify political discord and create long-term social divisions that persist beyond a single election cycle. This manipulation of public sentiment can have lasting consequences on the stability and cohesion of American society.
To address these challenges, experts have proposed several measures. Updating regulations to keep pace with digital advancements in election campaigns is crucial. This includes enhancing transparency in digital campaign ads and requiring the disclosure of the true sources of campaign funds. Extending the foreign national ban to cover spending on ballot measures and prohibiting spending by foreign-influenced corporations are also essential steps. By implementing these measures, the United States can better protect its elections from foreign interference and safeguard the right of its citizens to democratic self-governance.
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Frequently asked questions
Unlike other developed countries, the US does not have any laws limiting the lengths of campaigns. The length of an American political campaign can vary depending on the office being sought and other factors. For example, the 2020 US presidential election season lasted 1,194 days.
Proponents of lengthy campaign seasons argue that they offer voters ample time to learn about the candidates and make educated choices. However, critics of long campaigns point out that voter turnout in the US is abysmal compared to the rest of the world, and this could be linked to voter fatigue induced by long elections.
Candidates from the two main political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, set up their teams and go on tour around the country to rally for support and fundraise for their campaigns. They also participate in televised debates where they answer tough questions about their policies and defend their stances on various issues.
Recent US elections have been extremely expensive. For example, the 2020 presidential election spending topped more than $14 billion, with $5.7 billion spent on the presidential campaigns and another $8.7 billion spent on congressional races.
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