How to Raise Money for a Write-In Candidate

Throughout American history, only two U.S. Senators have won seats via write-in vote.

In U.S. politics, the voter's ballot displays the names of candidates who have filed their intent to run for a political office. The ballot also displays an area for voters to write in a candidate for office in the particular election. As a rule, the names of these write-in candidates can range anywhere from fictional television characters to viable political candidates. Generally, very few write-in candidates have actually won the office that saw their name written in for. Prudent fundraising, viable endorsements and a strong message may change these political odds.

Things You'll Need

• District Map
• Vehicle
• Meeting Hall

Instructions

1. Secure political backing. Solicit influential legislators, council members, executives or judicial authorities for both financial backing and public endorsement. In addition, approach individuals with a similar position on key political issues. Follow current campaign-finance rules when accepting donations. Allow space for the appearance of the backer's name, signature sloganeering and public posture on promotional campaign material.

2. Secure the support of a key business or community leader. Solicit key business leaders and financiers for support of your political campaign. Seek the endorsement of local community leaders with a strong political organization, positive reputation and a like-minded approach. Solicit a public display of support through personal appearances by the community leader. Provide business leaders with an understanding of how your campaign will benefit the small business and overall economic climate of the region. Ensure that any solicitation follows the guidelines of both the local and national campaign-finance regulations.

3. Develop a campaign website. Make use of the Internet to solicit donations from target voters and campaign supporters. Provide content that clearly outlines your goals, core values and personal history. Prominently display the web address and links during campaign stops and public appearances. Ensure that the website displays your signature logo, photos and campaign colors. Provide a "donate now" button to allow supporters to make an immediate decision to assist your campaign.

4. Host a dinner or event. Organize a social dinner complete with entertainment, satire and campaign messaging. Solicit a contribution from attendees while providing an opportunity to communicate openly with the write-in candidate. Allow diverse members of the voting public to attend while maintaining an atmosphere of participation and promise.

5. Write a book. Write a book outlining the candidate's personal history, the development of political beliefs and the candidate's vision for post-election change. Write the book from a semi-biographical standpoint to allow voters to develop a personal understanding of the candidate. To save on publishing, create a high quality e-book to sell via the candidate's website. Price the book in a range that will allow all supporters to make a purchase. Complete the book with references to the website for donations and further support.

6. Develop a documentary. Create a web-based documentary that combines the candidate's personal story with scenes from relevant local and world events. Use humor or a call to action to ignite the supporting voters and potential political endorsements. Display the video on the web page or link the video from a separate website. In addition, ad-support the video while soliciting public support in the body of the broadcast.

7. Liquidate business assets. Liquidate some of the assets associated with a candidate's personal business activity. For example, if the candidate owns and operates a successful chain of physical therapy centers, auction or sell equipment or accounts associated with one or more of the locations. Be sure to consider employee impact and the ability to provide customer service prior to taking this action.

8. Conduct a door-to-door fundraising campaign by canvassing areas with a proven response to the campaign message. In addition, conduct the campaign with respect for the personal and privacy rights of the homeowners or tenants. Allow supporters to make an on-the-spot donation while providing the web address and campaign updates. Encourage supporters to attend scheduled campaign events and make donations at a later date.

References

• The Washington Post: The Tortured History of Write-in Candidates