A political campaign is an organization of people and resources to support a specific candidate or ballot initiative. These campaigns can be small and local or large and national. They can last a few months or a few years. In general, the majority of campaigns occur every two years (a “cycle”) when a new batch of federal and state offices are up for election. These elections are often highly competitive, and can determine the balance of power or policy outcomes in a given branch of government.
There are a few things to consider before starting a campaign. First, it’s important to understand the expectations of those who will be involved in your campaign. Many of these people will be looking for an opportunity to talk with you about your ideas and your background, and they’ll want to be treated with respect and a high degree of professionalism. In addition, these people will be looking for ways to help you win the election, and they’ll be eager to support you with endorsements and donations.
You should also begin developing a campaign budget. You’ll need to find out how much it will cost to run your campaign and how many volunteers you’ll need to reach your goals. This will help you decide if you can afford to hire paid staffers, or if you should seek out other forms of fundraising and volunteer assistance. Lastly, you’ll need a way to process political donations. Make sure you choose a processor that will allow you to collect the name, address, occupation, and other information your election laws require for reporting purposes.
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