Campaigning 101 Nuts and Bolts Margaret Johnston, Sue Foxton and Friends

Getting Started Before May 1st: Check out the 2018 Candidates Guide for Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page18735.aspx Fill out the Nomination paper and be prepared with your Nomination Fee is $100 for all positions other than Mayor or Regional Chair which is $200 Endorsement signatures – 25 are required for Ward, Regional Councillor, Mayor and Regional Chair positions – must live in your Municipality, not necessarily your Ward…*not required for School Board Trustee positions

Before you Register Register a domain in your name Create your website–generic, resume, pictures of you in neighbourhood, op/ed’s, letters to the editor, blogs on community issues You can register as of May 1st. You should have a press release ready to send to the media as soon as you make your announcement Send to all your local media and include the Record and CTV as well Get your campaign team in place! Manager, CFO, fundraiser, media/social media contact, canvassers, sign crew, leaflet authors etc.

After you are registered Get your CFO and open a campaign account asap! Now you can fundraise, promote yourself on social media, campaign, spend money and canvass ***Provincial campaign*** Until election on June 7th, no sense knocking on doors Municipally-people often don’t pay attention until after Oktoberfest… Drive around! Check out the signs! See who is willing to take signs in your Ward/City – note Party, Municipal campaigns are non-partisan but if a certain Party aligns with your beliefs (or not!) than they are tipping their hat to you Volunteer on a Provincial campaign (if you are so inclined)-good practice for door experience and make friends with people of like mind and who are willing volunteer 

Think Strategically Study your electoral district – voting results for last 2 Municipal campaigns (at least) are available on your City/Region websites Where is the highest voter turnout? Where did your opponent(s) do well, where did they not do so well? If you are running for Mayor, Regional Chair, Region or School Board make friends TODAY with people running in Wards-if like minded they can pass out your leaflets in their Wards

Canvassing Tips Come up with a 30 second introduction to yourself and why people should vote for you – your Elevator Pitch Dealing with difficult people/ issues at doors Exiting the doorstep in a timely and polite fashion

Door Knocking When you begin canvassing use your time well! Busy streets first, get those sign locations, higher voter turnout next (hopefully twice) It gets dark early after Labour Day – apartment buildings are great for evenings and rainy days Nursing homes/ Senior Centres save until weekend before election

Data Collection Always have data forms with you! Should include: Name Address Phone Number Email Twitter/Instagram etc if they have it Sign Donation Volunteer Notes: do they have an issue? Will they endorse you? Are they part of the Neighbourhood Association? Etc.

What to have with you while canvassing A candidate card! The name and location of the School/Community Centre where people in that neighbourhood will be voting – you WILL be asked! A friend! They can do the data collection and help end a conversation when someone gets long winded Your cell phone, for safety, photos and social media on the trail If you have to canvass alone, tell someone the neighbourhood and streets you plan on canvassing, never step inside a house Dog treats, a water bottle, snacks, clipboard, pens and a comfortable pack…and shoes, comfortable shoes!!

Answering Surveys and Questionnaires Just when you are really busy…you will get an onslaught of questionnaires from many different groups Examples of typical questionnaires: Right to Life, TriTag, Labour Council, Heritage Associations, LGBTQ Associations, Neighbourhood Associations, Unions etc. Be aware that choosing NOT to answer a survey is an answer! Read and answer these carefully and considerately

Debates Standard format – 2 minute opener – intro to you and why are you running? – opportunity to differentiate yourself Questions – anticipate what you will be asked – hot topics in your Ward/area – intensification, School Board – test scores etc. Opportunity to make pointsthat differentiate you from the other candidates – but don’t be a jerk – Talk about the issue Set a tone, be positive, be strong and find a way to get your message out regardless of the question Closing statement – reiterates opener and asks for voter support PRACTICE!!