Current Status — Updated April 14, 2026

Lesson Learned: Google Verification is TWO Steps

Step-by-Step Reference — Google Ads + Meta

Prepared by: Kelly Fitzgerald, Bull Moose Strategy LLC
Originally written: April 3, 2026  |  Last updated: April 14, 2026
Why this matters: Google and Meta both REQUIRE identity verification before any political or election ads can run. Ads will be rejected without it.

PART 1: META (FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM) — Mark Must Complete

Meta requires three steps before political ads can run on Facebook or Instagram. Mark must complete Step 1 personally — it requires his government ID. Steps 2 and 3 can be done by Kelly once Step 1 is approved.

Step 1: Confirm Your Identity (MARK — 5 minutes)

This proves to Meta that you are a real person who lives in the United States.

1. On your phone or computer, go to: https://www.facebook.com/id
2. Log in with your personal Facebook account (not the campaign page)
3. Click "Get Started" under Identity Confirmation
4. Upload a photo of your government-issued ID — one of these:
5. Driver's license (front and back)
6. U.S. passport (photo page)
7. State ID card
8. Important:
9. The name on your ID must match your Facebook profile name exactly
10. Take a clear, well-lit photo — no glare, no blur
11. The ID must not be expired
12. If your Facebook name is "Mark Van Buren" your ID must say "Mark Van Buren" (middle names/initials are OK)
13. Wait for approval — Meta typically reviews within 1-3 business days
14. You'll get a notification on Facebook when your identity is confirmed

What if it doesn't work?
- If your Facebook name doesn't match your ID exactly, you'll need to update your Facebook name first (Settings → Personal Information → Name)
- If your photo is rejected, retake it with better lighting against a plain background
- If you don't hear back in 3 days, check the status at: Settings → Accounts Center → Personal Details → Identity Confirmation

Step 2: Create the "Paid for by" Disclaimer (KELLY HANDLES)

Once Mark's identity is confirmed, Kelly will set up the disclaimer:
- Disclaimer text: "Paid for by Citizens for Van Buren"
- Organization address: Will use campaign address (not home address)
- Email: [email protected] (must match a real, active email)
- Website: citizensforvanburen.com (must be live and show the organization name)
- Phone: Campaign phone number

Requirements for the disclaimer to be approved:
- The name "Citizens for Van Buren" must appear on the citizensforvanburen.com website (it already does — in the footer)
- The email domain does NOT need to match the website domain (att.net is fine)
- Meta reviews the disclaimer within 24 hours

Step 3: Link the Ad Account (KELLY HANDLES)

Kelly will connect the approved disclaimer to the Meta ad account so the "Paid for by Citizens for Van Buren" label automatically appears on every political ad.

Timeline for Meta:

PART 2: GOOGLE ADS — Mark Must Complete

Google requires "Election Ads Verification" before any political ad can run on Google Search, YouTube, or the Google Display Network. This is separate from the Meta process.

Prerequisites (KELLY HAS ALREADY DONE THESE):

• Google Ads account created (Account ID: 169-422-7715)
• Account set to United States, Eastern Time, USD

What Still Needs to Happen:

Step 1: Complete Account Setup (SCREEN SHARE CALL — Mark + Kelly)

Before Google will allow election ad verification, the account needs a valid payment method.

1. Kelly will schedule a video call (via Cal.com link)
2. On the call, Mark will:
3. Enter his credit or debit card directly into Google Ads
4. This is the card that will be charged for ad spend ($500 Google budget)
5. Kelly will NOT see or handle the card number
6. Google places a temporary $1 authorization to verify the card (refunded automatically)
7. Account billing is now active — this unlocks the election verification step

Step 2: Apply for Election Ads Verification (MARK — 10 minutes)

Once the account has a payment method:

1. Kelly will send Mark a link to the Election Ads Verification application in the Google Ads account
2. Or Mark can navigate to: Google Ads → Admin → Policy → Certifications → Election Ads
3. Fill out the application:
4. Country: United States
5. Advertiser type: "Individual or organization running election ads"
6. Legal name: Mark A. Van Buren (must match government ID exactly)
7. Organization name: Citizens for Van Buren
8. Your role: Candidate
9. Upload government-issued ID:
10. Driver's license (front and back) OR U.S. passport
11. Same ID requirements as Meta — clear photo, not expired, name matches
12. Confirm your information and submit

Step 3: Wait for Google Review (3-5 business days)

• Google reviews the application in 3-5 business days
• If approved, Mark receives an email confirmation
• If rejected, Google will explain why (usually a name mismatch or blurry ID photo)
• You can check the status anytime in Google Ads under Admin → Policy → Certifications

Step 4: "Paid for by" Disclosure (AUTOMATIC)

Once verified, Google automatically adds a "Paid for by" disclosure to every election ad. The disclosure uses the name provided during verification.

• Disclosure text: "Paid for by Citizens for Van Buren"
• This appears on every search ad, display ad, and YouTube ad
• Voters can click the disclosure to see more information in Google's Ad Transparency Center

Timeline for Google:

WHAT MARK NEEDS TO DO RIGHT NOW

Today (takes 5 minutes):

Go to https://www.facebook.com/id on your phone or computer and complete the identity confirmation. Upload your driver's license. That's it. This one step starts the clock on Meta approval.

This weekend or Monday:

Schedule a 15-minute screen share call with Kelly to complete the Google Ads payment setup and election verification application. Book at: https://cal.com/bullmoosestrategy/consultation

What Mark needs handy for both:

• Driver's license (not expired)
• A credit or debit card for Google Ads ($500 ad budget)
• His Facebook login credentials

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Mark must do the identity steps himself — Google and Meta require the actual candidate to verify. Kelly cannot do this on Mark's behalf.

2. Name matching is critical — The name on your driver's license, your Facebook profile, and your Google Ads application must all match. If your license says "Mark A. Van Buren" use that exact format everywhere.

3. Two-factor authentication (2FA) — Meta requires 2FA to be enabled on your Facebook account before political ad authorization. If you don't have it on:

4. Facebook → Settings → Accounts Center → Password and Security → Two-Factor Authentication

5. Choose "Text message" for the simplest setup

6. These verifications are one-time — once approved, they stay active for the duration of the campaign. You don't need to reverify.

7. Both can be done from your phone — you don't need a computer for either the Meta or Google identity steps.

QUESTIONS?

Call or text Kelly: (630) 728-4585
Email: [email protected]
Book a call: cal.com/bullmoosestrategy/consultation