It’s Election Day, Now What?
Election Day!
In a few, short weeks, we will be in the grips of the primary season as people head to the polls this spring and summer to determine party nominees for the November General Election. The next time we turn around it will be time for the national conventions with the Democrats in Chicago and the Republicans in Milwaukee.
I’ve been through more elections than I can count, and I am here to tell you that Election Day is one of the most restless and longest days of the campaign cycle. You’re exhausted. You don’t know what to do. If the polls say you are 10 points ahead, you wonder if you can trust the numbers. If you are 10 points behind, you’re praying for a miracle. I am sharing my thoughts on some best practices for how to get through Election Day and still manage to keep your sanity.
1. Make a Plan to Vote
The only time I ever got agitated with one of my favorite candidates was when I asked him when he was going to go vote, and he said to me, “Oh, we just got back.” After a pregnant pause, I asked him if he took any photos. The answer was “No.” I then asked if he did a media advisory for the press. Again, the answer was “No.” My silence was deafening.
I don’t care if you are running for your local school board or President of the United States, make a plan FOR YOU to go vote. Making a big to-do about voting for yourself might make some people a little uncomfortable, but it is an excellent opportunity to gain earned media coverage and let supporters know that it is time to go vote.
Ten years ago, I might have encouraged candidates to vote on Election Day, but post-pandemic, we now live in a world where mail-in ballots and early voting are the norm and not the exceptions.
Traditionally, I advise clients to vote on the first day of early voting and ask them to take their family when they go vote and issue a media advisory. In an ideal world, you can follow up the media advisory with phone calls, and a couple of outlets might show up and cover your trip to the voting booth. Don’t forget to call and follow up with the television stations. Media advisories and press releases don’t read themselves to journalists. If you go in the morning, you might even get lucky and get three to four mentions on the local news the day you go vote. So, plan ahead, pick a date, and make sure your family is available.
2. Plan Your Watch Party
Win or lose your supporters are going to need a place to celebrate or grieve. People have given their hard-earned time and money to your campaign so they need a place to gather when the results come in. And it pains me to have to point out the obvious, but be sure and leave enough money in the budget for an Election Night party. Don’t break the bank unless you’re a self-funder but allow enough money for light refreshments. Also, make sure there are televisions at your venue. If you are doing things right, you will know the results before the television stations do, but you can’t have a “watch party” unless your supporters have something to watch. Pick a fun venue that is easily accessible for your supporters and set aside around $1,000 or less for food and drink. And when you win, you can start buying shots!
3. Draft Three Versions of a Speech
I know that giving speeches, especially concession speeches, is not everyone’s cup of tea but the best practice is to have three versions of a speech prepared ahead of time. And don’t write them the night before Election Day when emotions are running high. Start a draft a couple of weeks beforehand so you have time to make edits and consider suggestions. But, also beware not to have too many cooks in the kitchen. It is cliche, but I think I speak for all political professionals when I say that having too many cooks in the kitchen is one of our pet peeves.
Draft three versions of a speech with the help of two or three professionals. Draft a victory speech, a concession speech, and a too-close-to-call speech. Normally, I wouldn’t emphasize the too-close speech, but I have seen too many elections come down to the wire including a 2020 Congressional General Election in Iowa that was decided by fewer than 10 votes.
Don’t stress over it or overthink it but Election Night speeches are necessary evils that need to be addressed and planned out well before the Election Night party.
4. Get Phone Numbers
In the event that you are not victorious, you will need to concede the election to your opponent. It is a difficult pill to swallow, but it is the classy thing to do. The rule of thumb is that once the Associated Press calls the race then it is decided. Have a staffer or a trusted volunteer follow their Associated Press on social media to track when the race is called. If you are in the slim minority that enjoys a competent and responsive Board of Elections or Secretary of State website, then monitor their website. Be courteous. Be respectful. And keep it classy. Make sure you have all of your opponents’ phone numbers so you can do the right thing if things don’t go your way.
5. Keep Busy and Stay Calm
As I mentioned, Election Day can be nerve-wracking, and at the end of the day, we all know that a political campaign is a marathon, not a sprint. There are, of course, exceptions, but elections are rarely won on Election Day. And when they are, they are decided by field and ballot chase efforts. Some of the best guidance I have ever heard from a political professional was when they asked a candidate the night before an election, “Did you do everything you could to win?” If the answer is “yes” then you know you can rest easily because you have left everything on the field.
Make sure you have your Election Day plans finalized ahead of time. The best use of your time is to visit polling locations and try to get as much earned media attention as possible. Be visible in your district and make the most of kissing hands and shaking babies. Visit your favorite restaurants (yes, that is meant to be plural) and give your supporters gratitude. Don’t forget to thank your staff and volunteers no matter what happens.
Spend time with the people you love before going to your watch party. Running for office is a friends and family affair, and if you still have them intact after your incredible journey then consider yourself fortunate. Hug those who are with you through thick and thin.
6. Hang Your Head High
It takes a lot of courage to run for office, and the truth is most candidates don’t win the first time they run. Win or lose, you have your name on the ballot, and that, in and of itself, is something you can be proud of and celebrate.
Email monica@workhorsestrategies.com, and let’s get started.
GO HEELS!
Monica Biddix
Workhorse Strategies, LLC
Principal and Founder
