Well, here's the good news about the drastically slumping economy: You get to hear more political ads on the radio.

KSL Radio and Clear Channel Radio stations have had long-standing policies that only candidates for federal offices and high-profile statewide races like governor and attorney general may advertise on their stations.

That's because FCC rules require that political candidates accepted for ads must be offered a lower rate than commercial advertisers, so stations generally like to keep as much ad time as possible available for the bigger spenders.

But this year, ad space is being offered to Salt Lake County mayoral candidates, Salt Lake County Council candidates and even candidates for state treasurer because - surprise, surprise - advertising is down as a result of, let's say, the elephant in the room.

KSL sales manager Laura Woodbury said limited ad space is being offered to the previously denied category of candidates because, well less is better than nothing. The sentiment was echoed by Clear Channel station manager Jim Vandiver, who acknowledged the company's policy has changed in a "softer" ad climate.

Don't call collect: Salt Lake County Councilman Mark Crockett, who is running for re-election this year, recently sent a flier to constituents letting them know that if they give him "the privilege of serving for another four years," he will work hard for their families and communities.

He also invites constituents to call him to give him their thoughts. The number he lists is his Salt Lake County Council office number at the County Government Center, which might be a problem since the flier clearly states it is paid for by the Salt Lake County Republican Party.

Just borrow dad's car: Here's some good news for teenagers turning 18 before the Nov. 4 general election: Even though the birthday greeting from Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert said your voter registration had to be postmarked 30 days before the election and many of you received the greeting and registration 29 days before the election, you can still register in person.

Joe Demme of the Lieutenant Governor's Office says eligible teens can register at their county clerk's office until Oct. 20. For those turning 18 after Oct. 20, but before Election Day, they can turn in the form by Oct. 20, even though they're still 17, and they will be registered automatically on their birthday.

Demme said Herbert is considering for future elections sending the notice on a teen's 17th birthday, to give them plenty of time to plan if they will turn 18 before Election Day and avoid any confusion.