Dear Kristin,
I’ve researched the candidates in my district and I know who I’d like to support. Now, how do I engage with them and their campaign in a meaningful way?
Great question. It is super important to research the candidates running for office (for more on that, check out our guide for assessing candidates, and this short post on figuring out your candidate’s positions). But once you have the facts and know who you want to support, how do you get involved?
The first way could be to make a financial contribution to your candidate’s campaign. Check out their website, donate online or write a check. No amount is ever too small. Unfortunately running for office is very expensive. Your donation will help pay for things like yard signs, walk cards, Facebook ads, direct mail and even radio or TV, depending on the race.
See The Policy Circle Campaign Finance Basics brief to get an understanding of the world of political donations, and the cost associated with running for office.
You can also donate your time. Become a volunteer. Every candidate needs volunteers to help make phone calls, attend events, walk in parades, distribute yard signs, and help get out the vote. There is always something engaging to do along with promoting the candidate that you support within your network.
Candidates need as much positive support as you can give, and if you think outside-the-box, the opportunities are endless. For example, create a free online petition (here’s one example, and another) in favor of their candidacy highlighting a reason why you and others you know support them over their opponent. Write an OpEd or Letter to the Editor of your newspaper. Host a meet-n-greet. Organize a meal train. Tell three friends. Retweet. Like a post. Build momentum.
Another way to participate in the election process is by being an election judge — learn more by discussing The Policy Circle brief on Election Integrity.
Ok, that was a lot of inside- and outside-the-box ideas — but where do you start? Look up your candidate’s campaign contact information. Give them a call or stop by their office to see how you can help. Don’t be discouraged if it’s hard to get ahold of someone. A political campaign is effectively a new start-up business operating on a shoestring budget. So don’t give up if it takes some effort to track down the right person. Call again or email. Or follow your candidate on their social media accounts and attend an event. Chances are, once you find your role, you’ll be joining the candidate on a very wild ride – one you are likely to find yourself becoming very passionate about!
And never feel like you don’t have enough time. You don’t need to volunteer everyday to have an impact. Even a one-time helping hand, smiling face and supportive handshake is a blessing to a candidate in the middle of a political campaign.
Seize every opportunity to introduce yourself to your candidate, tell them what they are doing well and share how you are participating in the election process.
There is most likely a candidate right now in your district running for office. Maybe it’s for a county board, or a state race, or even Congress. By being informed and engaged, treating others like they want to be treated, and being the change that you want to see, you can make a difference. Get involved. Election day is November 6th.
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