Marketing Coordinator @New/Mode - Digital Marketing I…
How campaigners are reaching political candidates and decision-makers during elections (with examples)
At New/Mode, we are busy during election cycles. We support election efforts all around the world, and we are happy to see leading progressive organizations using our tool set to protect the democratic process and support grassroots initiatives for change.
New/Mode provides digital advocacy software that is made for campaigners, by campaigners. Our tools help campaigners before and after the election period by providing a way to reach out to voters, collect data, and track campaign progress. In addition, our tools help campaigners to stay organized and efficient, allowing them to make the most of their time and resources.
As we head into another busy election season, we are excited to share this blog with you. In this post, I'll be taking a look at how other organizations and activists are using New/Mode’s platform to reach decision-makers and get their voices heard during and after elections.
Why You Should Campaign Before and After Elections
Even though it might seem like the only time to campaign is during an election, that is not best practice. Successful campaigners plan their election strategy long before the election is officially called.
A key ingredient to a successful campaign is a team of dedicated supporters who are deeply invested in the cause and motivated to take action. That's why it is imperative to start early and build momentum for your initiative. By starting early, you can spark interest in your cause and grow your community. Once the election begins, you can use New/Mode to empower your supporters to contact the candidates running in their electoral district. With our technology your supporter can survey the candidates' opinions on your issue and get their commitment (or lack of one!) on the record.
Campaigns don't end on election day. Post-election campaigning is just as important. This is your chance to thank your supporters for their efforts, keep them involved in future events, and ask them to hold their newly elected official accountable. By staying active and engaged, you can ensure that your campaign continues to make progress long after election day.
Here are some ways campaigners are using these tactics in the field!
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How Modern Campaigners are Turning Engagement into Impact
How Groups are Campaigning Ahead of the B.C. Election
What’s next? The Campaign May be Over, but Your Work has Just Begun
How Campaigners are Using New/Mode to Create Electoral Impact
#1✉️ Emailing Action (the action formerly known as Letter to Representative)
Engage your supporters by providing them with a way to send emails to targeted decision-makers quickly and easily.
With this tool, you can easily collect signatures and send an e-mail message to your representative with every click – allowing you to maximize your impact. And if you want even more control over your message, there is also the option to let supporters edit their messages before sending, giving them a chance to truly make their voices heard.
The National Association of Federal Retirees is running a multi-channel campaign demanding to the next Ontario’s government to commit to an independent senior’s advocate and a comprehensive seniors’ strategy that encourages age-positive well-being and age-friendly communities. By emailing to the candidates and sending letters to the editor.
#2 ✍🏽Pledge Petitions
Asking voters to pledge who they will cast their ballot for is a powerful, low-barrier action that motivates supporters to take the first step on their user engagement journey. Knowing voter priorities will also help campaigns focus their electoral communications.
New/Mode’s candidate data coupled with our Petition Action allows your supporters to either pledge to vote for certain candidates OR pledge to your organization with a commitment to vote or volunteer.
CMHO is calling on Ontario political parties to take the pledge to make Ontario the #1 jurisdiction in Canada for access to child and youth mental health services.
More campaigns
#3 ☎️ One-Click Call Your Representative and Decision-Makers
Connect your supporters to their elected representatives in one click to create a powerful citizen lobby that cannot be ignored. Supporters simply land on your action page, enter their contact information and receive a pre-recorded call with talking points before automatically connecting them through to the target representative.
Demand Justice is using our calling tool to urge Members of Congress to take immediate action to pass the Judiciary Act which would add four seats to the Supreme Court. #ExpandTheCourt to save Roe
Related resources
Elections here, there and everywhere. How are you empowering your supporters to make an impact?
#4 📰 Letter to the editor
We know decision-makers read their local papers. We make it easy for your supporters to get their letters and their stories in local papers. Our tool automates the submission process so your supporters can get their stories to editors with a few simple clicks. Our tool also provides trackback links to your campaign that many newspapers will print creating a virtuous cycle. You can embed the tool in a campaign action site or create a single-day news response for your most trusted supporters to further your narrative.
Stand Up America is urging representatives and other members of Congress to protect Americans’ reproductive freedom and fundamental rights for the long term. Congress must expand the Supreme Court. See the campaign.
Related resources
Elevate voices (and your issue) with Letters to Editors
How do New/Mode datasets work?
#5 📣One-Click Tweet @Your Representative
Twitter is one of the most powerful tools for social influence and public pressure. This tool guides Twitter engagement to key decision-makers' profiles and helps create a social media groundswell.
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SCIO) is using Twitter to contact candidates and asks them to advocate for fair access to essential services and devices for people with disabilities.
Related blogs
What can digital campaigners learn from the midterms?
Ask A Campaigner 🎤 A Twitter Takeover with 350 Canada
#6 📠 One-Click Fax Political Candidate
Our One-Click Fax Your Representative tool works much the same as our One-Click Email Your Representative tool. A supporter lands on the page and enters their letter or approves something you’ve pre-written. Then they hit submit and the magic happens — a piece of paper is printed out in your target’s office. You can use the tool for coalition outreach and influence. Partner organizations can upload a logo to an endorsement letter, along with information about the constituents they represent.
350.org is flooding the offices of MPs and Trudeau's Environment Minister Guilbeault with faxes that illustrate the future that's possible if they act with courage now.
Whether you are trying to raise awareness about an important cause or gather support for a political campaign, having an easy and effective way to engage with your audience is crucial. New/Mode can help with all of this by providing the tools and resources needed for a successful campaign. So if you're interested in making a difference, don't wait until the next election rolls around - chat with one of our campaign experts and start planning your campaign today!
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