Task Number Four: Plan Public Relations

Much of this task may have been completed as a part of Task Two in the Planning Phase of the districting project. However, because of an intensive public relations effort for the election, a special plan may be needed for the two-to-three-month period before the election. This plan should include many of the same types of activities as for non-election public relations, but there should also be provisions made for getting out the vote on election day.

State statutes on election contributions and expenditures do not apply to local issue elections. Idaho Code § 67-6602 defines “measures” which are specifically covered as “statewide”. However, it would be wise to run contributions and expenditures for campaign advertising through a committee especially set up for that purpose. Advertisements for the election should carry the name of the committee, and the name of a treasurer. While this is not legally required, it may save this from becoming a false campaign issue, since many people assume that election contribution laws apply to all elections, not just to statewide and certain designated local elections.

Preparing to Get Out the Vote. One of the most important public relations activities is to prepare to get out the vote on election day. Lists of supporters should be compiled including their names and contact information. Volunteers should be recruited to call these supporters immediately before the election or on election day itself to remind them to vote. Shut-ins and others who cannot easily get to the polls should be offered rides. These preparations must be made in advance of the election itself.

The importance of getting out the vote cannot be overemphasized. In some cases where elections have been lost, poor turnout in precincts that would have been likely to vote in favor of the district has been an important factor. You cannot assume that your supporters will remember to vote — particularly if there are no other candidate or issue races that are compelling.