Things I’ve Learned About Campaigning for a Public Office
In everything I do, I always try to remain a ‘Student’ at heart, consistently looking for wisdom, nuggets of truth, or pertinent information that can be applied to everyday life. I look for things that can help me better understand people, processes, and how to walk through each day with more intentionality and skill. And I also think it’s wise to share these lessons when I come across them… not to hoard them up inside, but rather to help other people who may be contemplating doing something similar.
And if you know me, you know that I’m not a ‘Politician’ at Heart. I don’t use the same playing cards or rules that career politicians utilize. I just try diligently to be myself; meet people where they are, listen as much as I speak, and give people trustworthy information that they can validate through credible sources (not just from my thoughts/emotions).
Yet, while starting this campaign, God graciously placed a few folks in my life whom has shared some great wisdom about Campaigning in an Honest and Upright way….and He’s placed me in conversations with constituents that have helped shape the way that I operate. And as it is with my nature, I want to share some of those ‘Tips’ and ‘nuggets of wisdom’ with others who may wish to run for a Public Office in the future.
Thankfully, I have NOT learned these lessons the hard way (by making huge mistakes), but instead from just taking the time to listen to others – former candidates and voters I meet – and soaking up as much as I could. With that said, I hope you’ll glean some wisdom in these 4 Tips, and that they’re helpful to you in the days to come:
Tip # 1 – Your campaign is ultimately not about you…it’s about the person (Community Member/Neighbor/Voter) you’re talking to.
No matter what public office you are running for, you are running to serve the person in whom you’re speaking. They are your constituent, and your policies/decisions/work will ultimately effect that community member in some way, shape or form. So don’t talk too much about yourself, your qualifications, your experience, etc… rather, listen to what is important to them.
If the community member you’re speaking with has specific concerns, help them understand how those concerns could be addressed in the future – especially by giving them credible information from resources they can access publicly. Let them know what your intentions are regarding their concerns, and a rough timeline (without making unrealistic promises) of addressing those concerns.
Ask important questions about the role you are seeking to fill, and help fill in knowledge gaps if needed in a humble manor – again with information sources they can readily access.
Tip # 2 – When campaigning from door-to-door, be respectful to the property you’re stepping onto, as well as the voter’s Privacy.
It is important to consider each time you pull into a driveway or stepping off the sidewalk that you are ultimately stepping onto another person’s private property. Also, how you present yourself in such an instance says a lot about who you are and who/what you value. There are several things to keep in mind when going door to door:
- If there is a ‘No Trespassing” sign, find a different way to connect with the property owner (phone call, letter, facebook message, email, etc). Don’t just barge down the driveway and expect people to be happy you’re there. It’s a good way to get into a mess of trouble, and you’ll get far better response from someone when you respect their wishes.
- Always approach the Front Door when it’s approachable…
- ALWAYS ask permission before placing a yard sign on a person’s property. I’ve had several people over the past few months tell me that signs just “pop up” and that they have no clue how they got there. A few have stated they’re not going to vote for someone who merely ‘assumes’ they can do what they want to their property.
- Also (related to #3), don’t be intimidated when you pull up to a house that has another candidate’s sign in the yard. Signs don’t walk in the voting booth and cast a vote…People vote. Ignore the sign and treat the resident as you would any other person you run across.
- Learn how to ‘Read the Room’ (or the yard) and be sensitive to what is going on around you…Make sure you’re not imposing during an important time (like a birthday party, etc.). You can always come back later to chat…this will win you more favor than you think.
- If there’s a sidewalk, use it. Don’t walk through someone’s lawn. You think this doesn’t matter, but it REALLY DOES to some people.
- (Related to #6) Don’t drive through someone’s yard or back into it when turning around… Instead, back down the driveway if you have to, showing respect to people’s lawns (and you’ll thank me later). The last thing you need is a bill for crushing a septic line somewhere, as well as an angry voter.
Tip #3 – Be respectful when asked about other candidates – as you may not know to whom you’re speaking.
I always consider that the person I’m talking to might be a relative of the other candidates, because in reality, this is a small world. Unless you know for sure, you very well may be talking to a good friend, a first cousin, or someone intricately connected in some meaningful way to your opponent(s). Besides, the important thing is not cutting down your competition, but rather building up your own campaign by explaining the inherent value/benefit that YOU would bring to the community if elected.
Tip #4 – Enjoy the process, and be thankful for the opportunity
It sounds somewhat harsh to say, but if you are an introvert who doesn’t enjoy meeting new people, discussing difficult topics (with grace, patience and compassion), or you don’t enjoy the process of campaigning, then you may not want to seek a public office. Because this process doesn’t stop after the election is over. If you win, the difficult conversations continue, the work gets harder, and you’re now serving those folks who have entrusted you with their vote to do what you’ve said you would do. You’ll be campaigning every day moving forward whether you know it or not, in the very work you do.
Rather, I hope that you’re one who will be ‘thankful’ for the opportunity to campaign; to serve your community in a meaningful way, and that you truly grow to love the people that you’re willing to serve. Campaigning can be a lot of hard work, but if you love people, it’s ultimately a joy…and I hope you’ll enjoy the process.
I hope these tips will be helpful to you in your future endeavors, and I appreciate the time you’ve spent reading through these thoughts.
– Josh Vandgrift
