Many states are holding their 2008 presidential primaries and caucuses on significantly earlier dates than in previous election cycles, and several states have yet to finalize the date of their primary caucus. The accompanying chart lists the federal primary and general election dates for 2008 as they are now scheduled. Please note that these dates are subject to change. Additional elections could take place during the 2008 calendar year, depending on ballot initiatives or referenda, vacated offices, or discretionary primaries called by political parties.
Pursuant to the FCC’s rules, legally qualified political candidates who wish to purchase time for “uses” cannot be charged more than the lowest unit charge for the same class and amount of advertising time for the same time period with respect to spot or program time which airs beginning 45 days preceding the dates of a primary or primary runoff election and 60 days preceding the date of a general or special election. A “use” of a broadcast station is defined as any positive appearance of a legally qualified candidate for public office who can be readily identified by his or her voice or likeness. The date on which the lowest unit charge rules begin to apply for each of the scheduled federal elections is indicated in the attached chart.
