Campaigning 101: The Do’s & Don’ts

by Chris Friend, Chemung YRs

Running for political office can be a daunting task. The road up to the day of the election is long and you will question if you are doing enough to reach the voters. I have compiled a few tips that I felt were important during my successful run for a seat on the Chemung County Legislature last year.

Candidacy

Before announcing your intention to run, make sure you have the support of your family and friends. They will also be making sacrifices during this process. The next group you need to contact is your local GOP committee members. They can provide you with invaluable advice. They have interacted with many candidates and know both what is successful and what needs to be done in your district. Be sure to send a thank-you letter to your local GOP members who were able to help you out.

Petition Phase

Although you do not need to fill in the vacancy committee on your petitions, you should consider filling this committee with at least one representative from each district you are hoping to represent. Also, you should personally carry your petition in each district and obtain the required number of signatures for your name to appear on the ballot. This is a time consuming process. However, the voters want to meet the candidate running for office and this provides them with an opportunity to speak with you directly on a one-to-one basis. It is a good idea to send a letter thanking each member of your vacancy committee as well everyone who signed your petitions. If you had a conversation with an individual, you will want to include a note about that discussion.

You will also want to leave a palm card or small informational flyer with each person you interact with. This card should have your background information, experience, and a statement about why you’re running for office. This card should include the date of the election as well as a statement asking them to vote for you. While walking the district, if no one is home, leave your flyer with a note stating that you were sorry to have missed them.

Campaign Phase

Focus on your experiences and local issues. Do not focus on the other candidate or even bring up the other candidate. The voters need to learn about you and why you are running. They want to know what motivates you and how you will behave in office. Be sure to discover and listen to their concerns and keep records of these conversations.

Signs

When signs go up this is another chance for you to interact with the voters. Don’t be content only to put a sign next door or across the street from your opponent’s sign. Talk to the person who has your opponent’s sign. They may be willing to put up your sign, but more importantly they may be willing to vote for you.

Mailings/Block Parties

You may need to have neighborhood or block parties in districts where it is difficult to meet the voters. Also consider interacting with local service organizations and clubs or having a meet and greet at a local park, restaurant or store.

Mass mailings are also effective close to the election. Two mailings are probably sufficient. The first mailing should occur about one month prior to the election. This should be an informative mailing to let the voters know who you are and why you’re running. Schedule the second mailing to arrive about five days prior to the election to remind voters of the upcoming election and ask for their support by voting for you.

Media

Press releases, announcements, TV, radio, and billboards will need to be decided on a case by case basis. These can be time-consuming and expensive. You can probably do without these unless there is a major issue that you need to address. You may be more effective walking the district and talking to the voters on an individual or small group basis.

Election Day

The weekend prior to the election consider having a phone bank of volunteers to remind people to vote. You will want to keep the phone call short and try to have the volunteers call those voters that they know personally. On Election Day have poll workers collect sign in sheets. Cross reference these with your list of anticipated voters and call those people who have not voted.

Just remember, your election depends upon the voters.

I would like to thank the NYS Young Republicans, the Steuben YR Club, the voters of Chemung County Legislative District 2, my family and especially my wife, Renée. It has been an honor to serve in our democratic process.