Getting to the Ballot : Tips from TRU Megan Owens CFTE TIC June

Getting to the Ballot 1.Learn your laws – Every state is different 2.Get polling data – Don’t assume you know! 3.Build support early – Seek lots of input – Win before its even on the ballot

LEARN YOUR LAWS Tip 1:

Learn Your Laws Every state and region is different – Ballot Authorization State, county, agency, signatures – Timing – Win % Double and triple check. Never assume.

GET POLLING DATA Tip 2:

Get Polling Data Cheap ways – Analyze similar elections from the recent past – Partner with universities or other organizations – Add questions to another group’s poll Ballot test question Attitude towards transit agency Ideally – Hire experienced professionals Know your region’s politics, demographics Know transit ballot measures – Poll early and often Baseline Messaging Trends

Summary of Key Questions Re Support for Transit Q9 – Support funding for transit through taxes/fees Q14 – Trust in new RTA to improve transit Q20 – Election test question

Voter uncertainty about the RTA benefits Educating the public about RTA and its purposes, and communicating to the public the purposes and details of the Regional Transit Plan, must be the top priority. Voters distrust in transit spending Transparency in decision making and clear accountability measures by the RTA Lessons Learned

Sufficient support among supporters and swing voters We can win by mobilizing supporters (23.7%) and winning 2/3 of swing voters (44.6%). Messages should focus on undecided groups Need to strengthening perceived benefits of transit Messages should focus primarily on the benefits for non- riders and indirect benefits. Messages should relate to specific improvements, which will be made possible through the additional funding. Lessons Learned

BUILD SUPPORT EARLY Tip 3:

If you want to get advice, ask for money. If you want to get money, ask for advice.

Build Support by Seeking Input Why? – Create the plan people want! – Learn concerns and misperceptions. – Identify potential opposition Seek to minimize it – Build ownership and buy-in Who? – Elected officials, business, community leaders – Everyone you want help / support from!

Pre-Campaign: Why Transit Matters

Build Support Early Build your coalition – Get them carrying your message Build supporter lists – Contact info – Interests, strengths, networks Maximize grant fundable-activities

Getting to the Ballot 1.Learn your laws – Every state is different 2.Get polling data – Don’t assume you know! 3.Build support early – Seek lots of input – Win before it is on the ballot