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Learn about ways to organize and plan successful library ballot campaigns - either information-only or Get Out the Vote.
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Information-Only and Vote Yes Campaigns
Using tips from the best political campaigns to activate citizen support
for library funding
Building voter support for libraries
John ChrastkaExecutive DirectorEveryLibrary
About EveryLibrary
Founded on the fact that libraries, as public entities, cannot expend their own funds to do electioneering.
Associations, as 501c3 organizations, cannot engage in GOTV speech. The IRS "caps" 501c3 spending for lobbying.
Building voter support for libraries
About EveryLibrary
Set up as a 501c4 Social Welfare Organization chartered to support local library ballot measures like bonds, referendum, levies and mills.
Includes support for legislation that impacts the ability of libraries to function as districts.
Building voter support for libraries
About EveryLibrary
Once a measure is before the voters we cannot work with libraries themselves.
We work with local ballot committees and PACs set up by citizens to support the measure.
Building voter support for libraries
About EveryLibrary
EveryLibrary works with with Libraries to plan effective Info-Only campaigns:
● Pre-planning and polling● Technical assistance with campaigns● Timing Issues in the Public Trust
Building voter support for libraries
About EveryLibrary
EveryLibrary works with with local ballot committees to plan GOTV campaigns:
● Pre-Planning ● Technical assistance● Campaign consultancy● Seed or sustaining funding for campaign work
Building voter support for libraries
Voter Attitudes
Nationwide, of all voters:
37% will Definitely vote yes
37% will Probably vote yes
26% will Probably or Definitely vote no or may vote either way.
Building voter support for libraries
Voter Attitudes
What do we know about voter perception of libraries?
● Users vs. Non-Users● Progressives vs. Conservatives
● Any Tax is a Bad Tax
Building voter support for libraries
Voter Attitudes
What do we know about voter perception of libraries?
● Users vs. Non-Users● Progressives vs. Conservatives
● Any Tax is a Bad Tax
Nothing Impacts More than their Perception of the Librarian and the Library as Institution.
Building voter support for libraries
What Activates Voters?
Seven Factors:1. A Reason to Vote2. Mobilized3. Personal Contact with Candidate or Issue*4. Culture/Tradition/Habit of Voting*5. Trust in Government (pro or con)6. Decided to Vote7. Weather/Access to Polls
Building voter support for libraries
What Activates Voters for The Library?
#1 - Nothing Impacts More than their Perception of the Librarian and the Library as Institution.
#2 - Awareness that there is a Measure on the ballot.
Building voter support for libraries
Informational and “Vote Yes” Campaigns:
● Walking*● Phoning*
● Events● Social and Web
● Signs ● Mailers
Techniques That Work
Building voter support for libraries
Running a Library Campaign
1.Types of Campaigns
2.Messaging That Works
3.Techniques That Work
4.Funding Partners
Building voter support for libraries
Informational Campaign
● Planning● Know Your Limits● Marketing and Awareness
Vote Yes Campaign
● Planning● Filing● Awareness and GOTV
Types of Campaigns
Building voter support for libraries
Know Your Allies
Inventory Your:
1. Educational Partners2. Social Welfare and Religious Partners3. Governmental Partners4. Civic Partners5. Business Partners6. Politicians
Building voter support for libraries
The Library as:
● Educational Partner● Economic Development Engine● Social Leveler
○ Connect with Changing Technology○ Legitimacy as Institution○ Trust in the Librarian
Messaging That Works
Building voter support for libraries
Message that Work
The Library as Incubator● Businesses● The Arts● Community Identity
The Library as Leverage● Retail Anchor● Grants and Capacity ● Access to Tech
Building voter support for libraries
Info-Campaign Team
Who can say what to whom matters:
StaffFriendsTrusteesSuper Friends
Building voter support for libraries
Vote Yes Committee
● Not the Library● Not the Friends● Not in Governance
Dedicated to helping Get out the Vote for the library Measure - as citizens, neighbors, and stakeholders
Defined role for the campaign season.
Building voter support for libraries
GOTV PrePlanning
● Voter Data - Enhanced Voter File to
ID frequent voters
● Volunteers for Committee
● Volunteers for GOTV
● Budget
● Funders
Building voter support for libraries
Allies in “Vote Yes” Funding:
● EveryLibrary
● Labor and Unions● Fire and other Public Sector Unions● Construction and Building Trades
● Business Community● Individual Donors
Funding Partners
Building voter support for libraries
In Every Case...
Building voter support for libraries
● Walk your Precinct
● Actively say “Vote Yes”
● Answer Challenges with Legitimacy
Thank You
www.everylibrary.org
@everylibrary
facebook.com/everylibrary
everylibrary.tumblr.com
Building voter support for libraries
John ChrastkaExecutive DirectorEveryLibrary
