Election 2008 Planning BenchmarksBy Holly MinchUse the following list of key dates to plan your election-year efforts. This list highlights national deadlines around the presidential races, but don’t forget the local equivalents for Governor, Mayor, City Council and other important decision makers. October October: Voter registration deadlinesThe dates vary, but most states close the rolls to new voters during the month of October. Make sure your voter registration effort is built for this deadline. Early October: Early voting commencesSelected states enjoy early voting. And absentee balloting begins.October 2: Vice Presidential Debate Hosted at Washington University in St Louis MO, will focus on domestic and foreign policy.October 7: Presidential Debate Hosted at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. In a town meeting format, the debate will include any issues raised by members of that audience.October 15: Presidential Debate Hosted at Hofstra University in Long Island, NY, the debate will focus on foreign policy.Late October: Absentee ballot application deadlinesDeadlines vary by state, so be sure your GOTV effort is built with this deadline in mind.November November 3: Election Eve The media will always be looking for those stories of volunteers who worked all night to get out the vote. How about yours?November 4: Election Day!Will you engage in COTV efforts on the day of? The media are often hungry to fill air time as they wait for returns to roll in. And, as the results roll in, take credit for your victories! Will you respond to the outcome of election results? If so, make sure you have talking points prepared for all outcome scenarios, and that they’re shared across your coalition.November 5: The morning after and post-election spin The election story will continue to unfold for a week or so after the big day, arcing from the horse race to the policy agenda and likely appointments. Stay in touch with reporters you’ve worked with and be sure to remain a part of the story while it’s still being told. You may have policy experts who are positioned for a role as a talking head during the spin-frenzy, so get those spokespeople prepped and starting pitching them. This can be a great way to advance your policy positions and influence appointments. November 6 " January: Transition Every successful candidate will have a transition team of some type of another. This is en excellent time to forge relationships with those who will advise the elected official moving forward. Perhaps there is an opportunity to cultivate a champion for your cause? The transition period is also a critical time when cabinet appointments will be made, and new Congressional committee assignments are determined. Track these closely and begin to forge relationships with those who will be important to your work moving forward. This is also a time when you should be prepared for rapid response to cabinet announcements and other developments as they happen. Information is a community commodity during transition, so communicate with your allies early and often. And don’t forget the grassroots! Leverage your membership to exert pressure with media and decision makers. December December " Planning sessions This is an excellent time to further flesh out your plans for the year ahead, as the dust settles and the context becomes clearer. Gather your policy team, your communications folks and your allies to map out your work for 2009 and beyond. December 15 - Electoral College votesThe official votes for President and Vice-President will be cast; each state's electors meet in their respective state capitals.January January 3: Congress convenesIf the Electoral College fails to yield a majority, according to the 12th Amendment, this new class of the House and Senate would be responsible for electing the President and Vice President respectively.January 6: The election actually ends The sitting Vice President (as President of the Senate) will open the certificates of the electoral votes from the various states, which will then be counted by two tellers each from the House and Senate. The Vice President will announce the votes for President and Vice-President. Assuming there are no objections, this will formally end the election process.January 20: Presidential Inauguration Day The day the new decision maker takes office is the perfect day to set the policy agenda for their terms and let your legislative agenda be known. Will you plan any activities to welcome the new President to Washington?TBD: State of the Union AddressThe new President will deliver their first state of the Union Address shortly after inauguration. Consider staging local viewing parties for the local news cameras, or penning an op ed calling upon the new President to highlight your issue in the speech. Inauguration Through SpringApril 30: End of the first 100 DaysIn a nod to FDR’s New Deal, elected officials often look to demonstrate action and traction on their signature issues within the first 100 days in office. Will you be ready if they come to you looking for ideas to help shape their policy agenda? Consider identifying some activities your organization or coalition can conduct to help inform the news cycle with the first 100 days, such as joint polls, or briefings for policymakers and/or the media. Finally, make note of the date on which those 100 days are up, as it provides an opportunity for an accountability news story.
PreviewAttachmentSize