16.1-10-04. Publication of false information in political advertisements - Penalty

16.1-10-04. Publication of false information in political advertisements - Penalty 1. A person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor if the person knowingly, or with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity, publishes a political advertisement or news release containing an assertion, representation, or statement of fact, including information concerning a candidate's prior public record, which is untrue, deceptive, or misleading, on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office, initiated measure, referred measure, constitutional amendment, or any other issue, question, or proposal on an election ballot, which is published by radio, television, newspaper, text message, telephone call, pamphlet, folder, display cards, signs, posters, billboard advertisements, websites, electronic transmission, social media, or any other public means or commercial medium. 2. This section does not apply to a newspaper, television or radio station, or other commercial medium that is not the source of the political advertisement or news release.