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

2. Getting Started Before May 1st:
Check out the 2018 Candidates Guide for Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections:
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

3. 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.

4. 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 

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Data Collection Always have data forms with you! Should include: Name
Address
Phone Number
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.

9. 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!!

10. 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

11. 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!!