How to Influence Wisconsin Elections

Wisconsin's politics have become contentious.

Wisconsin politics have captivated national attention since early 2011, when Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, and the Republican-controlled legislature passed controversial restrictions on public employee unions. National activists and political observers from the left and the right were drawn to the high-profile fight, during which several Democratic legislators fled the state to keep the legislature from convening. Although the law wound up in court, campaigns to recall legislators in both parties were launched, and the state remains in the national political spotlight.

Things You'll Need

• U.S. citizenship
• Phone
• Computer
• Credit card

Instructions

1. Focus your effort on a specific race or ballot initiative. Almost no one can have a broad influence on multiple elections and issues. Choose where you want to make the most impact, whether it's a recall election or county bond issue. This single-minded approach will not only focus your time and energy, it will amplify your impact because others will respect your knowledge and commitment to that contest.

2. Donate money. U.S. politics runs on money, and Wisconsin is no different. Regardless of your party or issue, there are organizations more than happy to accept your donation and turn it into political influence and action. Your money might go toward voter turnout campaigns, TV advertising, or lobbying of elected officials. As long as you are a U.S. citizen, you can donate to candidates, campaigns, and organizations in Wisconsin, even if you don't live in the state.

3. Volunteer your time to a campaign. Volunteers help spread the word about a candidate, remind people to vote, and show that a candidate has genuine grassroots support. If you live near Wisconsin, you can go there to volunteer in person. If not, many organizations will ask you to make phone calls through an online system.

4. Get the word out. The people most influenced by your politics are your friends and family. Although Wisconsin has received much press attention, most people pay little attention to politics apart from big presidential elections, wars, or other major events. Start conversations, either in person or online, with those you know. Some may live in Wisconsin, which will directly affect the state's elections. Others might be interested in donating to campaigns or volunteering with you.

5. Don't neglect your own backyard. Just as Wisconsin's fight influenced similar battles in Indiana and Ohio, so might your state influence Wisconsin. Do not lose sight of the important issues being decided closer to home and their prospect of broader influence.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay polite. Tempers can flare in American politics, from the halls of Congress to the volunteer campaign office. Represent your cause by treating everyone with respect, even if they disagree with you.

• History is full of well-funded campaigns with few volunteers losing to cash-strapped ones with a volunteer army. In the Republican presidential primary campaign of 2008, the well-funded and well-known Rudy Giuliani received only 5% of the Iowa caucus votes, compared with 32% for Mike Huckabee, who made up for his lack of cash with a plethora of enthusiastic volunteers.

• Always be sure you are in compliance with election laws. Foreign citizens cannot donate to U.S. political campaigns.

References

• Federal Elections Commission

Resources

• Wisconsin Democratic Party
• Wisconsin Republican Party