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February 22, 2019 by Kirk McDonough

Focus on the Person Not the Position

Too often voters feel ignored. They have someone come to their door looking for their vote, yet that person doesn’t feel listened to. They feel like the candidate has someplace else to be or is just going their their lines. Does a candidate really expect a person’s vote if they don’t focus on them?

Candidates are only human. They have a lot on their plates but they need to manage that to be able to focus on the voters who ultimately control their political future. Most people are just looking to put a face to the name, but there are voters who want to discuss an issue important to them. If a voter is particularly passionate about an issue, they usually have a network of like minded people in the community. Listening to their views can often lead to a larger volume of support. People who are issue minded are also more likely to make their voices heard on election day with their vote.

Some tips and advice

  • Don’t look beyond the person in front of you- Listen, take notes, ask questions, show real interest. They may be able to educate you on their focused issue. Get their contact information to follow up.
  • Don’t look at your watch- Once you look at your watch, people know that you are not engaged. If time is that much of a concern, you scheduling is poor. When you are knocking on doors take your time and get to know the voters.
  • The next person may not be the best person- The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
  • You meet the same people going up as you do going down- My grandfather used to say this. Win or lose, this is your community. Do you want to be know as a glad hander or a stand up person.

A candidate needs to concentrate on people. You are asking people for the privilege of being their voice in government. Focus on them.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: campaign, candidate, community, connection, focus, government, local, local politics, vote, voters

January 27, 2018 by Kirk McDonough

Ballot Moving Issue

When a candidate meets a voter, sometimes the voter wants to discuss one particular issue. It can be an issue that does not pertain to the office the candidate is seeking. This type of voter decides how they will voter on the candidate’s ideas and beliefs on that one issue. This is a ballot moving issue.

There are a few ballot moving issues and they can include:

  • Abortion
  • Gun Control
  • Equal Rights
  • Gay Marriage
  • Universal Healthcare
  • Immigration
  • Defense

While campaigning for a seat on the local school board, a candidate may not expect a question on universal healthcare. It may happen and it has happened. While it may not make sense, the issue that the voter focuses on is the most important to them and will impact their vote. Many times, these voters are extremely well versed on the issue from their point of view. They will want to go into a lengthy debate and demonstrate their knowledge. People will even vote against their self interests in order to support a candidate who shares the views on that one key issue.

ADVICE

Don’t get drawn into a long drawn out debate on the issue. This will take time away from meeting and connecting with other voters. If your views on the issue don’t align with that voter, you won’t get their vote. Be gracious and say, “Sorry we disagree but I will be effective representing you and you can always call me.”

Filed Under: News Tagged With: ballot moving issue, campaign, candidate, issue, vote, voters

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