Political High

I’ve talked about yard signs in a previous post.  I’m luke warm about them.  Everyone seems to think you have to have them or your campaign is screwed.

What I’ve learned at campaign management camp suggests otherwise.

In fact, in 2006, here in South Dakota, the anti-abortion measure folks probably had far more yard signs than votes.  With another anti-abortion measure on the ballot in South Dakota again (yes, that’s pretty much all we vote on here), they again lead the yard sign fight.  But they lost in 2006 and they’ll probably lose again in 2008.

I’ve seen them with supporters having maybe ten yard signs-the same yard sign–in one yard.

Apparently they subscribe to the “if a little bit will do a little good a lot will do a lot of good” theory of political tactics.

I don’t agree.  Not because I’m on the other side of their issue, but because I don’t think it is effective.

In a ballot measure like abortion, it is well known.  Unlike a couty commissioner candidate no one may know, everyone knows there are two ways to vote on the iss–yes or no.

I think a better use of yard sign repitition madness money is through door to door canvassing, paid media, or direct mail.

I can’t imagine the same ten pictures of the same baby in my neighbor’s yard is going to be the difference between winning and losing.  Seems like that’s an approach where you bury–not enhance–your message.

I’m a firm believer in “less is more” advertising.

It’s small but it’s mighty.

It’s the palm card.

Here in South Dakota, election day palm cards aren’t used much.  I was introduced to them from an East Coast organizer who I worked with on an issues campaign and he said they are part and parcel of elections there.

What is a palm card?  Hotcards.com has a marvelous explanation:

Palm Cards Do it Better

All good palm cards should include:

Front

• Candidate’s name
• Logo
• Candidate’s picture (smile!)
• Any other information relevant to the election or bill that you are hoping to inform voters about, such as dates and political party affiliation.

Back

• • A simple, straightforward list of your major campaign issues. When listing your issues, try to find an effective space between being too wordy and just skimming over important points.

Here in South Dakota, you can’t solicit voters within 100 feet of the polls. So, get a 100 foot length of rope (or whatever it is for your state or locality), stretch it out, and put a mark on the ground. That’s where your volunteers can stand.

Instruct the volunteers to be polite but not too pushy.  Some people don’t want to be bothered before going into the polls.  Others don’t mind as long as it’s friendly.

The palm card is your very last contact with the voter.  In many down ballot races or issues that have not received much attention in the media, this can be a great opportunity to win votes.

Don’t count out this low tech/high touch weapon in your campaign.