01 Find Out What Measures Are Being Considered

The first step in supporting a local ballot measure is identifying the issues up for vote in your community. Here’s how to start:

• Research the Issues: Use search engines and local news sources to find out what measures are being discussed in your area.
• Attend Council Meetings: City and town councils often approve what gets on the ballot months before the election. Attend meetings or review agendas online.
• Talk to Endorsers: Reach out to organizations and groups endorsing the measure to get involved and learn more.

02 Find a Team

Successful campaigns require a dedicated team. Here’s how to build one:

• Connect with Local Leaders: Reach out to elected officials, community leaders, and people in local boards, task forces, or commissions.
• Mobilize Your Network: Use your personal connections to find people who are passionate about the cause.
• Organize Volunteers: Volunteers can help with canvassing, writing op-eds, meeting with local leaders, organizing press conferences, mailing postcards, and fundraising. Identify where help is needed.

03 Tailor Your Actions and Strategy

Every community is unique, and your strategy should reflect this. Consider these tips:

• Focus on Community Needs: Whether it’s fundraising, phone banking, or creating visual infographics, align your actions with your community’s priorities and your communications strategies to ways your community is already organizing.
• Get Personal: Reach out directly to neighbors to educate them about the ballot measure. Personal connections can make a big impact.
• Incorporate Technical Expertise: Volunteers with technical backgrounds can help break down complex issues using data and infographics, making it easier for voters to understand.

04 Take Action

Now it’s time to get out there and start advocating:

• • Fundraise: If the campaign requires funds for materials (e.g., flyers, lawn signs), organize fundraising efforts.
  • Canvassing and Outreach: Help distribute materials, talk to voters, and communicate timely and actionable election information . Engage with local media and community leaders to amplify your message.

• Engagement is key: The more people know about a measure and have accurate elections information, the more likely they are to vote on it.
• A personal touch works: Directly engaging your neighbors and showcasing trusted local figures can make a big difference.
• Data can drive decisions: Make complex policies more accessible by using visuals like infographics to communicate your message.

• Keep it personal.
  • Directly reach out to your neighbors to inform them about their ballot options.
  • Showcase prominent community members in your advertising – many people won’t be familiar with the issues, but a friendly, familiar face is a good starting point to win them over.
• Incorporate the skills that volunteers bring.
  • People with a technical background can simplify data and create visual infographics (i.e. graphs, charts) to communicate complicated policy.
  • Community leaders can influence voters, be sure to connect with them and ask them to endorse the measure you’re supporting.

Ready to make a difference? Download the full guide to start organizing, mobilizing, and supporting your local ballot measure today.