Many people with disabilities want to see changes in their communities. However, running for office to enact those changes can seem like a daunting task in a society with so many barriers. But people with disabilities can make a positive impact by getting involved in politics. And with resources from advocacy organizations like Indiana Disability Justice, running for office and winning is entirely possible! If you’re interested in launching your own campaign, follow these steps to turn your dream of running for office into reality.
Register for the Ballot
First, you’ll need to research ballot access rules for candidates in your state. Each state has its own rules, and you’ll have to meet every requirement and submit all of the necessary paperwork to earn a spot on the ballot. Once you’ve taken care of these tasks, it’s time to assemble your team!
Choose Your Team
You can’t run your campaign entirely on your own – you need a great team around you! Even if you have a limited budget, Aristotle recommends hiring a fundraiser, a campaign treasurer or accountant, and a voter contact manager at a minimum. You could also consider bringing a campaign consultant or digital marketing expert on board.
Before choosing your team, you’ll want to establish an organized system so that you can keep track of staff productivity and even pay them easily. Choosing platforms that manage field personnel effectively through GPS mapping can give you better visibility of their activities on the campaign trail, which, in turn, makes it easier to schedule staff movements and shuffle tasks when needed.
Finalize Your Platform
You might have vague ideas for key policy items in your platform, but now is the time to stamp out the details. By conducting research on local voters’ positions and concerns, you’ll be able to determine which issues are most important to the people in your community. This will help you polish your platform and decide which policy proposals to highlight in your advertising strategy.
Promote Your Campaign Online
Today, political campaigning has gone digital. While print, TV, and radio advertising still matter, campaigning online is a low-cost option that will expand your reach. You’ll need to build a campaign website, set up social media accounts for your campaign, send out an email newsletter with campaign updates, and invest in paid advertising across popular social media platforms. You can also use social media to network with organizations that fight for disability justice and let them know about your campaign!
Plan Accessible Campaign Events
You can move forward with a variety of fundraising methods, but fundraising events will allow you to spend time with your potential future constituents face-to-face. Get in touch with venues in advance to discuss your necessary accommodations. And to ensure your events are accessible for all who wish to attend, EventMB recommends planning for ease of movement, providing appropriate signage and interpreters for those who are visually impaired or deaf, and making sure that service animals can accompany their owners.
At events, you can form real connections with your voters. While it is not a requirement, you can even share your story of living with a disability and how it has informed your political views and overall campaign platform.
Today, the voices of people with disabilities are needed to influence change. By getting involved with the political process, people with disabilities can shift policy and transform society for the better. With these tips, you’ll be well prepared to get your own campaign off the ground!
Are you looking to connect with other people with disabilities or find supportive resources? Indiana Disability Justice is working for education, policy change, and advocacy. Subscribe for email updates through our website today!
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About the Author:
Ed Carter has worked with clients of all ages, backgrounds and incomes. About 10 years into his career, he saw a need for financial planners who specialize in helping individuals and families living with disabilities. www.ablefutures.org
