-
Step 1
Search online for your state’s Secretary of State website, for example “Arizona Secretary of State.” Look for the section on Elections and, specifically, the section on Initiatives. Download or request mailed copies of the Initiative Application and the Initiative Handbook. If you have any trouble locating these items on the website, do not hesitate to call the Secretary of State’s office with your request.
-
Step 2
Read the Initiative Handbook thoroughly and prepare the language of your Initiative Petition accordingly, preferably with the help of a lawyer. In the Initiative Handbook you should also find the number of signatures you’re going to need to get your proposition on the ballot, as well as the deadline date to do so.
-
Step 3
Submit your Initiative Application according to the rules and deadline date referenced in the Initiative Handbook.
-
Step 4
Recruit volunteers to circulate and collect signatures. Start with members of organizations that will likely support the cause.
-
Step 5
Start collecting signatures from registered voters as soon as the Initiative process in your state allows. Collect more signatures than required as some will inevitably be invalid for various reasons, ranging from illegible writing to a signer who is not a registered voter. Your petition circulators may collect signatures in a variety of places, provided that they ask for the appropriate permission. Try the local library, stores, festivals and events.
-
Step 6
After collecting more signatures than you need, turn in all petition forms to the Secretary of State’s office by the deadline date for them to verify the legitimacy of each signature. Make sure all circulators have had each petition form notarized.
-
Step 1
Create a website educating the community about the proposition. Set up an option for website visitors to not only subscribe for email campaign updates, but also an option to make donations online and volunteer. In the sign-up form, be sure to ask for a mailing address and phone number so they can be included in future solicitations.
-
Step 2
Make the most of your volunteer circulators by asking them to volunteer on the campaign to get the proposition passed. Be sure you add all of their email addresses, mailing addresses and phone numbers to your databases.
-
Step 3
Send out an email to everyone on your email list asking them to donate their money for the materials necessary to educate the public about the proposition. Remember to remind the voter of the problem, how this proposition is going to help and why resources are needed immediately.
-
Step 4
Send a direct mail or “snail mail” letter to everyone who signed the petition, everyone in your database and any lists you’re able to buy or rent of people who would likely support the proposition. In this letter, explain the problem, how the proposition will change that and how they can help right now by sending in a donation. On the reply device for mailing in their contribution, include options for how they can volunteer their time, including going door-to-door or making phone calls.
-
Step 5
With the money you’ve raised, create street signs, yard signs, flyers, door-knockers and other materials. Be sure all reflect a similar message and style as that communicated on the website, focusing on the problem as it exists now, how this proposition is going to help and why the only way it’s going to pass is if people “like you” spread the word, give your time and money and vote for it.
-
Step 6
Ask your volunteers to put proposition signs in their front yards. Depending on how many signs you have, you may want to ask your volunteers to take several for them to give to their friends, family and neighbors.
-
Step 7
Continue recruiting campaign volunteers by scheduling speaking engagements to organizations throughout the state that will likely support the proposition. Bring with you to these speaking engagements the materials referenced in Step 5 so people can get involved right away. Collect on a sign-up sheet everyone’s name, mailing address, email address and phone number so you can add them to all of your databases.
-
Step 8
Request from the Secretary of State a “Statewide List of Voters.” Use their names, addresses and party affiliations to strategically target neighborhoods where you’re most likely going to have the highest rate of success. Send your volunteers into these areas with door-knockers.
-
Step 9
Rent booths at statewide festivals and events for passing out materials and talking to voters one-on-one.
-
Step 10
Produce radio and television ads educating the public about the proposition.
-
Step 11
Repeat the above steps as frequently as possible to raise money and recruit volunteers, as you can never have too much of either one in a proposition campaign.
-
Step 12
In the days leading up to the election, ask your volunteers to personally call everyone in your database, reminding them to go out to the polls to support the proposition.
Comments
truetoo said
on 10/2/2009 Very helpful Meredity. I need information on how to put an issue on the November 2010 ballot nationwide. Any info would be appreciated.
ascheinok said
on 12/14/2008 I believe the time has come for parents to take control of the family courts and no longer allow courts to take our children away. I believe just like one needs a jury to change the life of an innocent or guilty person a parents rights as a parent should not change from 50/50 in a divorce unless a jury votes on that to occur. Parents should not loose custody because one spouse pays for a better attorny or because a judge decides on the merits of a declaration. Anything other than 50/50 custody should require a jury to decide the worthiness of that change. Its time we change our courts. If you believe we can do this with grass roots effors write me at letschangecustodylaws.com and lets make it happen!!!