Anonymous Funder Pulls ‘Voter Fraud’ Billboards Rather Than Reveal Itself

After widespread outrage, Clear Channel finally invoked its policy against anonymous political ads.

By Kai Wright Oct 22, 2012

The anonymous funder of more than 140 threatening billboards in black and Latino neighborhoods across Ohio and Wisconsin has chosen to take down the ads rather than identify itself, [according to Reuters](http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/21/us-ohio-voterfraud-billboards-idUSBRE89K0JA20121021). The billboards played on the myth of "voter fraud," invoking law and order images like a judge’s gavel over the words "Voter Fraud Is a Felony!" and listing jail time as punishment. Civil rights groups charged the billboards were meant to frighten lawful and confused voters away from the polls. [Color of Change launched a petition](http://colorofchange.org/campaign/tell-clear-channel-take-down-these-billboards/original_email/) demanding Clear Channel remove the ads, as the company has done previously with campaigns it deemed too controversial. According to Reuters, Clear Channel belatedly invoked its policy against anonymous political advertising. When offered the choice between identifying itself and removing the ads, the "private family foundation" behind them chose to take them down, Clear Channel said.