Lost your election? Here’s help to assure success next time.
As you total up the votes and have your superintendent/mayor or city manager sign personalized
notes to all the volunteers that helped with the campaign, you need to evaluate both the
information and advocacy campaigns. You need to analyze what worked, what didn’t work, what
you need to do differently next time and develop the plan of action for communication and
community involvement between now and the next election.
Here’s a check list to follow for doing your evaluation:
Compile a complete election record by organizing all election material into an election
file or notebook for review and your historical records. In this file include:
• All of the data from your original election survey as well as any post election survey results.
• Every piece of material that was developed for the election — information and advocacy —
from both the district and building levels.
• Any feedback that volunteer callers received that could help improve your total PR program
in the year ahead.
• Copies of any scripts, videos or other materials developed for the campaign.
• A CD with all bond information you have in word or pdf files or that was posted on a Web
site.
• All newspaper clippings that related to your election, including letters to the editor and
advertisements.
• Copies of all news releases, newsletters, memos and other materials developed at the district
or building/department level.
• Copies of any materials that were developed by groups who opposed the election.
• A summary written by the election coordinator or liaison, including his/her impressions of the
election. Make sure the summary notes what worked, what didn’t work and what should be
included or excluded from another campaign.
• Reports or summaries from election committee members and building principals with their
evaluations of the election and suggestions for future elections.
Compile a political analysis of the election precinct by precinct, showing: