Meta has confirmed its political ad restrictions for the U.S. midterm elections, blocking new campaign and issue-based promotions in the final week before voting. The restriction period begins Tuesday, Oct. 27, and runs through Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, giving users a break from campaign messaging on Facebook and Instagram.
What Changes During the Restriction Period
No new ads about social issues, elections or politics can start running in the U.S. once the window opens. Ads that served at least one impression before 12:01 AM PT on Oct. 27 can continue, but with tight limits. Advertisers can change the bid, budget and scheduled end date, and can pause or unpause those ads. Edits to creative, placement, targeting or optimization are not permitted.
Meta classifies political and social issues ads as those placed by or for a candidate for public office, a political figure or a political action group. Covered topics include civil and social rights, crime, the economy, education, environmental politics, guns, health, immigration, political values and governance, and security and foreign policy.
Deadlines Advertisers Must Meet
Advertisers who want to run these ads during the restriction window must complete Meta’s ad authorization process by Tuesday, Oct. 13. Meta also advises submitting ads for approval by Oct. 20. That timing helps ensure they go live and deliver at least one impression with a valid disclaimer before the restrictions take effect.
Like many media outlets, Meta uses a quiet period before major elections to reduce last-minute tactics aimed at swaying voters. The policy follows the company’s earlier outline of its integrity plans for the midterms, published in February.
With the authorization deadline only days away, campaigns, agencies and advocacy groups running political or issue-based creative will need to move quickly to avoid being shut out of the final week.