We’re now in the final stretch to Election Day ‘22. Early voting and absentee voting are already starting in some states. So when it comes to voter contact, what should you be doing right NOW?
If you’re in a solid red or solid blue district, you should be working on GOTV (get out the vote). Turn out YOUR voters and you win.
But if you’re in a swing district you still need to do some persuading to the undecided voters who will ultimately determine whether you win or lose.
But how do you find and identify those who are undecided? Try this…
Most political consultants with fancy poli-sci degrees love to do polls. But all they’re concerned with is the “horse race.” Who’s ahead, who’s behind, and by how much?
Not me.
Instead, I take my voter file and tele-match it to get phone numbers for those I don’t already have. Then I do a comparatively inexpensive, automated robo-poll…
“If the election were held today, would you vote for Candidate A, Candidate B or are you still undecided. Press 1 for Candidate A. Press 2 for Candidate B. And press 3 if you’re undecided.”
Here’s the beauty of this…
When the poll is completed, you’ll get a list of everyone who participated and how they voted. Names and phone numbers.
Then you spend your time at the door or on the phone directly contacting all those who have already indicated they’re undecided. THAT’S who you need to be talking to right NOW.
And no one is in a better position to persuade an undecided voter than the candidate himself/herself. So every free minute you have – like traveling from one campaign event to the next – get on the phone and let your fingers do the walking.
There are lots of firms that provide robo-polling. But for over 20 years now I’ve used Jerry Dorchuck of Political Marketing International (PMI). Total pro. Lots of experience. And doesn’t charge an arm-and-a-leg.
Tell him you were referred by the Campaign Doctor and he’ll take extra special care of you.
Reach Jerry on his cell at (215) 370-5509 or shoot an email to: jerry@robocalls.com.
And no, I don’t get any commission for referrals…though he did send me an engraved letter-opener for Christmas a few years back. Hoping for a puppy this year!
P.S. The down side here is that an automated poll can’t be done (legally) to cell phone numbers. However, there are ways to do the exact same thing via text messaging.
However, be warned. You’ll likely get some negative blowback from some voters who consider such unsolicited texts as “spam.”
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
“When you’re playing not to lose versus playing to win – you operate completely differently in the world.” – Joe Polish