The 2016 election cycle is in full swing which means developing a data strategy is critical. Leading up to election 2014 campaigns up and down the ballot relied on high quality voter data from L2 starting two years out, shouldn't yours?
Five tips for your 2016 voter data strategy:
1. Start planning now.
Simply knowing you need data for your campaign is a good first step. A good second step is picking the right provider. Quality of the data and a competitive price are obvious qualifiers for any voter data vendor selection. You should also demo a provider's digital platforms, in our case L2 DataMapping. The right platform, such as L2 DataMapping, can empower your campaign allowing for instant analysis down to an individual household level.
2. Learn to use your tools.
If you do choose to use L2 Data and L2 DataMapping you will be able to visualize your town or district and go neighborhood to neighborhood and identify areas by potential donors and voters. This powerful online platform can help you map out an early strategy and determine everything from fundraising calls to lawn sign placement. L2 staff offers individual demonstrations as well as online tutorials on the most common uses of L2 DataMapping.
3. Refine fundraising lists.
Whether you're running a campaign for a multi year incumbent or a first time candidate fundraising is critical in the early stages. Having access to accurate voter data with all the commercial segmentation can help refine fundraising lists. L2's enhanced national voter file along with high quality commercial data allows you to strategically target individuals who already have a propensity to donate.
4. Better understand your district.
L2 clients, some of whom have been in office for many years, have told us they learn something new about their town or district with L2 DataMapping. Even without changes to district lines it's beneficial to constantly study the area in which you're running. There is always something to learn about your core donors and voters not mention new potential sources of support. If you're an incumbent, the powerful visualizations and spreadsheet analyses can deepen a representatives knowledge of an area encouraging better representation.
5. Define Neighborhoods of interest.
Going door-to-door is critical for any campaign's get out the vote efforts or voter registration drives. L2 and L2 DataMapping can help you find those potential voters, neighborhood to neighborhood. L2 DataMapping's selection or "polygon tool" allows you to select an area, see a voter count and create lists based on only the homes you've selected.
For more information on L2 DataMapping or any L2 product email: paul.westcott@L2political.com
