In The Know

Thanks to the increasing prevalence of early voting, you don’t have to wait until November 5 to start racking up votes for your candidate. You can connect with early voters and build momentum days (or, in some cases, weeks) before election day. 

Your campaign’s ability to connect with and mobilize early voters could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Here’s everything you need to know. 

How Many States Allow Early Voting?

Every state in the U.S. allows at least one form of early voting. Absentee ballots are the most common tool for casting a vote early and allow constituents to mail in their picks. However, 14 states that use absentee ballots still require constituents to provide a valid reason for casting their vote via mail.

All but three states allow in-person voting before November 5. It’s important to consider the rules in each state your campaign wants to target so you can provide voters with the correct information about when, where, and how to cast their ballots. 

What You Need to Know About Early Voters

Early voters tend to be highly motivated and informed. They’ve made their decision well in advance and are eager to avoid long lines or scheduling conflicts on Election Day. Most importantly, they are passionate about performing their civic duty. 

Connecting with early voters provides value to your campaign on several levels. Your candidate can earn support and votes early, which can help build momentum. 

Additionally, early voters may be available to volunteer to assist your campaign after they’ve cast their ballots. They can hit the streets on the days leading up to election day and encourage others to perform their civic duties. 

How to Connect With Constituents Who Want to Cast Ballots Early

Here are a few tips to help you connect with and mobilize early voters this election season.

Time Your Outreach Efforts

One of the first steps in reaching early voters involves recognizing that you must adjust your campaign timeline. Launch get-out-the-vote campaigns weeks in advance. You can’t wait until early voting opens to ramp up your marketing efforts. At that point, it may already be too late. 

Early voters start receiving information well before Election Day. Make sure your campaign has a communication strategy that’s tailored to the local laws and timelines governing early voting in your area. You need to provide constituents with timely, relevant information so they can exercise their right to vote early. 

Use Digital Channels

Today’s early voters are more likely than ever to be active online. Digital marketing channels like social media are one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Use targeted ads, email campaigns, and mobile-friendly websites to connect with constituents on multiple channels. 

Digital tools also allow you to customize your message for each market. This can be especially useful when marketing to voters on a state-wide or national scale. You can customize ads for each jurisdiction, adjusting the timing and messaging to ensure the content contains accurate information and relevant facts. 

Don’t Neglect Direct Mail

While digital outreach has become essential, it doesn’t give you an excuse to neglect direct mail. Mailers and absentee ballot reminders can help spur your audience to action. These tools can be particularly effective when targeting older audiences who might not be as digitally savvy. 

Some states allow campaigns to send absentee ballot request forms directly to voters. If your state allows this, consider taking advantage of the opportunity to simplify the voting process and ensure voters have the tools they need to participate early. 

Consider Door-to-Door Canvassing

Don’t underestimate the value of getting out and talking to people face-to-face. Reaching voters in person or over the phone remains one of the most direct and effective ways to secure early votes. 

Make sure you train your canvassing team on relationship building and communication. They also need to be taught what they can and cannot do. You don’t want anyone affiliated with your campaign to be accused of illegally swaying or manipulating voters. 

Your canvassers should focus on the benefits of early voting, such as convenience and flexibility. Make sure they share detailed information about when and how to cast a ballot before Election Day. 

Tailor Your Messaging

Your messaging for early voters should highlight the convenience of casting a ballot before November 5. It’s also essential to communicate the importance of participating in the upcoming election. Frame the process as a way of guaranteeing that they feel heard.

Your messaging should also instill a sense of urgency. Don’t portray Election Day voting too negatively, but point out the stress involved with trying to take care of such an important task at the last possible moment. 

Target Key Demographics

Early voter campaigns are primarily focused on individuals who are already interested in casting a ballot ahead of Election Day. However, you can also target demographics that may be less active in elections. 

Individuals in this audience segment may view Election Day voting as stressful or inconvenient. By showcasing early voting as a workaround that makes exercising their civic duty easier, you may increase turnout. 

Inform Your Early Voter Campaign With Aristotle

Early voters can be an invaluable part of your campaign strategy. Aristotle, a leader in political data, provides you with actionable intelligence that will help you connect with constituents in this key demographic. Our powerful tools can guide canvassing efforts, digital advertising strategies, and outreach efforts. Schedule a demo to learn more.