The Independent's Tool-box

Campaign Checklist

Pre-campaign

• Announce intention to stand.
• Find campaign manager.
• Recruit supporters and campaign volunteers - especially booth captains.
• Contact details to local press, make up media release distribution lists.
• Media releases/interviews on issues (get your message/viewpoints out).
• Campaign website or an office - furniture and equipment (phone, fax, internet, printer/scanner/copier). You will at least need an office for the campaign proper.
• Printed material with authorisation: posters, flyers, mail-outs/newsletters, bumper sticker, nametags & holders.
• Signage for vehicle & office.
• Insurance - offices, public liability & volunteers on election day.
• Anticipate booking unaddressed deliveries (UDS) through Australia Post to every household - you generally need to give 4 weeks notice to book a UDS delivery.
• Produce advertisements (papers, radio & TV) and obtain quotes for spots.

Campaign proper

• Lodge completed & verified nomination form.
• Book campaign advertising spots - papers, radio & TV.
• Officially launch campaign and open campaign office.
• Step up recruitment of volunteers - office roster, letterbox and for each polling booth.
• Booth captain & scrutineer for each polling place - ask them to help recruit for their booth.
• Media releases as required - greater frequency will be required during the campaign proper.
• Attend candidate forums/campaign related events; doorknocking.
• Booth kits - for each booth captain containing the material they will need for Election Day (posters, tape, pens, string/rope, flyers, how-to-vote cards, shift- roster of volunteers).
• Book in election night party to watch results come in.
• Candidate's timetable for polling day for media - tour of the booths.
• Volunteers to float and fill in where needed, supply extra material to booths, refreshments etc.

Election Day - plan your day to tour as many booths as possible, make sure the media know your timetable and location of your supporters party to watch the results come in and - remember to vote!