New Jersey considers updating campaign spending rules

New Jersey election officials are proposing some changes to keep pace with the increasing importance of the Internet in campaigns.

The proposals from the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission concern public financing for candidates for governor and lieutenant governor.

One new rule would specify that Internet ads and emails are an acceptable use of matching funds, says Jeff Brindle, executive director of ELEC.

“We’re paying more attention to the possibility of an increase in Internet advertisements, on the use of digital politicking. I think that’s something that we’re going to see a trend.

“It’s happening nationwide, and I assume it’s going to come here to New Jersey,” Brindle says.

A public hearing on the proposals will be held next month.