When you’re running a political campaign, every detail matters, especially the materials that carry your message. If your audience includes union households, labor organizations, or Democratic voters, union-approved campaign materials are not optional. They are essential.
At Dr. Don’s Print Lab in Glendale, Arizona, we specialize in producing high-quality, union-approved campaign materials for candidates, PACs, and advocacy organizations nationwide. Whether you’re running for city council or Congress, we help ensure your materials meet union standards, comply with regulations, and arrive on time.
Let’s break down what union-approved campaign materials are, why they matter, and how to make sure your campaign gets it right.
What Are Union-Approved Campaign Materials?
Union-approved campaign materials are printed political items produced by a qualified union print shop and authorized to display the official union bug, also known as the union label.
The union bug indicates that the materials were printed by workers represented by a recognized labor union. For many labor-aligned campaigns, this small mark carries major significance.
Common union-approved campaign materials include:
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Yard signs
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Stickers
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Palm cards
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Door hangers
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Brochures
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Direct mail pieces
At Dr. Don’s Print Lab, we produce a wide range of political materials, including our popular custom campaign buttons and printed campaign items, with union-compliant production available upon request. Explore our options at https://www.buttonsonline.com.
Why Union-Approved Campaign Materials Matter
1. They Build Trust With Union Voters
Union households often look for the union bug on printed materials. It signals that your campaign supports labor values and fair working conditions.
For many voters, it is not just a logo. It is a statement.
If your campaign is seeking labor endorsements, omitting the union label can undermine your credibility.
2. They’re Often Required for Endorsements
Many labor councils and Democratic organizations require candidates to use union printers as part of their endorsement agreements.
Failing to comply can jeopardize endorsements, delay coordinated mail programs, create reputational risk, and cause unnecessary friction with labor partners.
Using a qualified producer from the start eliminates these issues.
3. They Protect Your Campaign From Costly Mistakes
One of the biggest errors campaigns make is assuming any printer can add a union bug. That is not how it works.
Only authorized union shops can legally display the union label. Improper use can result in reprints at your expense, compliance complaints, public relations damage, and lost time during critical GOTV windows.
When deadlines are tight, mistakes are expensive.
What Is the Union Bug?
The union bug is a small emblem placed discreetly on printed materials, typically near the disclaimer line. It identifies the shop and confirms union production.
Important facts:
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It cannot be added by non-union printers
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It must meet union standards
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It must be authorized by the producing shop
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It should be placed correctly within the artwork
At Dr. Don’s Print Lab, we review artwork to ensure proper placement and compliance before production begins.
How to Ensure Your Campaign Materials Are Union-Approved
Step 1: Work With a Qualified Union Print Producer
Not every printer, even those claiming political experience, is union-certified.
Before placing your order, confirm union affiliation, authorization to use the union bug, and experience with political compliance.
As a long-standing political merchandise producer, Dr. Don’s Print Lab understands the standards campaigns must meet.
Step 2: Confirm Union Requirements Early
If you’re pursuing labor endorsements, verify their specific printing requirements before ordering materials. Some organizations require union printing for direct mail, literature drops, yard signs, and event signage.
We recommend addressing this at the start of your campaign’s print planning process, not days before a mail drop.
Step 3: Include Proper Political Disclaimers
In addition to union labeling, campaign materials must include proper disclaimers depending on the type of race, whether it is federal or state, whether it is an independent expenditure or candidate committee, and state-specific compliance rules.
Our team reviews artwork to ensure both union labeling and disclaimers are production-ready before printing.
Common Mistakes Campaigns Make
Over the years, we’ve seen campaigns run into avoidable problems. Here are the most common:
- Waiting until the last minute. Union production requires verification. Last-minute orders increase stress and risk.
- Using a non-union printer by accident. Many online printers do not offer union labeling. Always verify.
- Forgetting the union bug on reprints. Every new print run must include the bug if required.
- Focusing only on cost. Union printing is an investment in credibility. Cutting corners can cost more in the long run.
Union-Approved Campaign Materials We Produce
Dr. Don’s Print Lab serves campaigns across Arizona and nationwide through our online ordering platform.
Popular union-approved products include:
Campaign Buttons
Our specialty for decades. Perfect for rallies, volunteer engagement, and voter outreach.
Yard Signs
Essential for visibility and name recognition. Durable and campaign-ready.
Campaign Stickers
Cost-effective and highly shareable. Explore our custom campaign stickers.
Printed Campaign Materials
Palm cards, literature, and event materials designed for voter contact.
If you’re unsure what qualifies as union-approved, we’ll walk you through it before production begins.
Why Campaigns Choose Dr. Don’s Print Lab
Located in Glendale, Arizona, Dr. Don’s Print Lab has supported political campaigns for years, but our reach extends nationwide through our online ordering system at https://www.buttonsonline.com.
Campaigns choose us because we offer political campaign production expertise, union-compliant printing options, fast turnaround times, nationwide shipping, responsive campaign-aware service, and high-volume capacity for major races.
We understand campaign timelines. We understand GOTV pressure. And we understand that mistakes are not an option.
FAQs About Union-Approved Campaign Materials
Is the union bug legally required?
Not always. However, it is often required for labor endorsements and strongly encouraged for campaigns targeting union households.
Do union-printed materials cost more?
Union production can sometimes carry a modest premium, but the value in credibility, endorsement compliance, and risk prevention far outweighs the difference.
Can I add a union bug to my artwork myself?
No. Only authorized union shops can apply and approve the union label.
Do you ship outside Arizona?
Yes. While we are based in Glendale, Arizona, we serve campaigns nationwide through online ordering at buttonsonline.com.
Get Union-Approved Campaign Materials for Your Campaign
If your campaign needs union-approved campaign materials, do not wait until deadlines are looming.
Talk to a producer who understands political compliance, union requirements, and campaign urgency.
Request a quote.
Speak with our team about union-approved production.
At Dr. Don’s Print Lab, we help campaigns print with confidence, union-compliant, deadline-ready, and built to win.
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