Political mailers have already started arriving in the Upper Peninsula. Our household received three last week in support of a particular candidate.

I was reminded by this how many people are not aware that much of the political mail they receive is not paid for by the candidate it promotes.

In this case, the mailer was paid for by a national political organization funded by billionaire donors and corporate interests. It operates across the country and spends heavily to influence elections, often under names that sound local or community focused.

These organizations do not represent everyday people. They are accountable to their donors, not to voters in the Upper Peninsula. Their policy priorities typically benefit the wealthy and large corporations, even when those priorities come at the expense of working families, local communities, and public services.

There are many similar political action committees (PACs) and nonprofit groups that will be sending mail throughout this election cycle. Some will support candidates, others will attack them, but all are designed to shape public opinion while remaining legally separate from the campaigns themselves.

The best way to spot this is to read the fine print. Look for the line that says “Paid for by.” If it lists an organization rather than a candidate committee, then the message is coming from an outside group with its own agenda. If it does not say it was paid for by the candidate, then the candidate did not fund it.

These mailers are designed to look polished and trustworthy. Taking a moment to check who paid for them helps voters understand whose interests are really being served.

As more of these pieces arrive in mailboxes across the Upper Peninsula, I encourage readers to pause and ask a simple question. Who paid for this, and who benefits from the message.

Sincerely,

Dana VanEffen

Delta County