Candidate Resources
2024 IMPORTANT DATES
Source: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/elections-calendar/dates-and-deadlines
Special Election
April 5 - Start of 18-day voting period (through Election Day). Ballots are mailed out and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers.
April 15 - Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day. Register to vote in person during business hours and any time before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
April 23 - Deadline for Washington State voter registration (in person only)
April 23 - SPECIAL ELECTION - Deposit your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Candidate Filing
May 6 - First day to file a declaration of candidacy.
May 10 - Last day to file a declaration of candidacy.
May 13 - Final day to withdraw from the ballot.
May 21 - Deadline for candidates to submit Voters' Pamphlet profiles.
Primary
June 14 - Deadline to submit videos for candidates and for measures on the Aug. 2 Primary Election ballot.
July 19 - Start of 18-day voting period (through Election Day). Ballots are mailed out and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers.
July 29 - Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day. Register to vote in person during business hours and any time before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
August 6 - Deadline for Washington State voter registration or updates (in person only).
August 6 - PRIMARY - Deposit your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
General Election
August 31 - Deadline to submit videos for the General Election.
October 18 - Start of 18-day voting period (through Election Day). Ballots are mailed out and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers.
October 28 - Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day. Register to vote in person during business hours and any time before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
November 5 - Deadline for Washington State voter registration or updates (in person only).
November 5 - GENERAL ELECTION - Deposit your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
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1. CHOOSE THE OFFICE
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Decide which local office you want to run for. See which positions are available in the upcoming elections by visiting here: https://goodparty.org/elections/wa/kitsap
2. DUTIES & QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
Source: https://www.kitsap.gov/auditor/Documents/Candidate%20Guidelines%202022.pdf
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U.S. Senator and Representative
Duties:
The U.S. Constitution assigns the Senate and House of Representatives equal responsibility for declaring war, maintaining the armed forces, assessing taxes, borrowing money, minting currency, regulating commerce, and making all laws necessary for the operation of the government.
Qualifications:
A U.S. Senator must be at least 30 years old and a U.S. citizen for nine years.
A U.S. Representative must be at least 25 years old and a U.S. citizen for seven years.
Both must be residents of the state from which they are elected.
(U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Sections 2 & 3)
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Statewide Executive Offices
Duties:
The Washington State Constitution, Article 3, Sections 1-24, details the duties of officials elected to state executive positions.
Qualifications:
Candidate must be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in Washington.
(U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Sections 2 & 3)
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State Senator, State Representative
Duties:
Introduce bills during each session of the Legislature. Public hearings are held, issues are debated, and votes are taken. Bills that pass both houses of the Legislature are sent to the Governor for signature.
Qualifications:
Candidate must be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in the district for which he or she is chosen.
(Washington State Constitution, Article 2, Section 7, RCW 29A.24.075)
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County Commissioner
Duties:
County Commissioners are the legislative body and chief administrators of the county. Adopt annual budgets and county ordinances for traffic, zoning, planning and public safety. Oversee public works, human services, community development, and parks departments.
(RCW 36.32)
Qualifications:
At the time of filing for office, candidate must be registered to vote in the district represented by the office they seek.
(RCW 29A.24.075)
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County Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Treasurer
Duties:
Duties and responsibilities of county elected officials are prescribed by the Washington State Constitution and by the Revised Code of Washington for each individual office.
Prosecuting Attorney Candidates must be registered to vote in Kitsap County and also be a lawyer admitted to the Washington State Bar.
Qualifications:
At the time of filing for office, candidates must be registered to vote in the district represented by the office they seek.
(RCW 29A.24.075, RCW 36)
Prosecuting Attorney Candidates must be registered to vote in Kitsap County and also be a lawyer admitted to the Washington State Bar.
(RCW 36.27.010)
Supreme Court Justice
Duties:
The Supreme Court reviews laws for consistency with the Constitution.
Qualifications:
Candidate must be registered to vote and be admitted to practice in the courts of record of Washington state.
(Washington State Constitution, Article 4, Section 17 RCW 29A.24.075)
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Appeals Court Judge
Duties:
The Court of Appeals hears appeals on decisions of lower courts.
Qualifications:
Candidates must be registered to vote and be admitted to practice in the courts of record of Washington State.
(Washington State Constitution, Article 4, Section 17 RCW 29A.24.075)
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District Court Judge
Duties:
The District Court has criminal jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes, traffic infractions, criminal traffic and other non-traffic infractions as prescribed by the Washington State Constitution and by The Revised Code of Washington.
Washington State Constitution, Article 4, Section 6 ,
Qualifications:
Candidates must be registered to vote in Kitsap County and be a lawyer admitted to the Washington State Bar.
(RCW 3.34.060)
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Public Utility District Commissioner
Duties:
Planning and study of the conservation of water and power resources for the people in Kitsap County. Work with the state Legislature and local water districts to manage the supply of water and electricity for all uses.
Qualifications:
At the time of filing for office, candidate must be registered to vote in the district represented by the office they seek.
(RCW 29A.24.075 , RCW 54.12.010)
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Precinct Committee Officer
Duties:
Elect a chair and vice chair of their political party’s county and legislative district central committees.
Qualifications:
At the time of filing for office, candidate must be registered to vote in the precinct represented by the office they seek.
(RCW 29A.80.041)
Residency Requirements: ????
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Cities of Bainbridge Island and Bremerton
Qualifications:
Elected Mayor and Council candidates must be registered voters of the city at the time of filing and have been residents of the city for a period of at least one year preceding the election. City Council candidates must reside within the defined council districts or wards at the time of filing.
(RCW 42.04.020, RCW 35A.12.030, RCW 35A.13.020)
Duties:
In Bremerton, the Mayor is the city’s chief executive and administrative officer. The Council members serve as the legislative body. In Bainbridge Island the Council is the legislative authority, and Council members choose a council chair who has the title of “mayor” of the city. The Council hires a City Manager who is the chief executive and administrative officer.
Functions of these offices are further defined in state law by the specific jurisdiction:
• City of Bainbridge Island (RCW 35A)
• City of Bremerton (RCW 35A and City Charter)
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Cities of Port Orchard and Poulsbo
Qualifications:
Candidates must be registered voters of the city at the time of filing and must also have been residents of the city for a period of at least one year preceding the election. Mayor and City Council candidates may reside anywhere within the city.
(RCW 35A.12.030)
Duties:
The Mayor is the city’s chief executive and administrative officer and presides over council meetings. The Council members serve as the legislative body of the city. Functions of these offices are further defined in state law by the specific jurisdiction:
(RCW 35A)
School, Fire, Port, Sewer, Utility, Water, Metropolitan Park and Recreation Districts
Qualifications:
At the time of filing for office, a candidate must be registered to vote in the district represented by the office they seek. For jurisdictions that have defined internal districts, a candidate must reside and be a registered voter within the defined area of the jurisdiction.
(RCW 29A.24.075)
Duties:
The function of each jurisdiction is described by Washington state law.
• School (RCW 28A)
• Fire (RCW 52)
• Port (RCW 53)
• Utility (RCW 54)
• Sewer/Water (RCW 57)
• Metropolitan Park and Recreation (RCW 35.61)
At the time of filing for office, candidates must be registered to vote in the district represented by the office they seek.
(RCW 42.04.020)
A candidate filing for office in a district with defined internal boundaries must reside within those internal boundaries at the time of filing. These districts include: City of Bainbridge Island, City of Bremerton, School Districts, and Port Districts. EXCEPTIONS: City of Port Orchard, City of Poulsbo, Bremerton School District; Port of Illahee, Port of Keyport, Port of Manchester, and Port of Poulsbo – candidates may reside anywhere within the district.
3. RESEARCH THE POSITION
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Understand the responsibilities and duties of the office you’re interested in. Learn about the specific role, functions, and impact it has on the community. Here’s a good source with general explanations for the various responsibilities and duties of local offices: https://mrsc.org/explore-topics/officials/roles/roles-and-responsibilities
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Watch video recordings of previous meetings involving the position you’re interested in running for. Attend live meetings whenever you get a chance. Research what previous occupants of that position have done during their time in office.
4. FILE FOR OFFICE
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The candidate filing period usually occurs before elections. In 2024, it begins on May 6 and ends on May 10. You’ll need to submit the necessary paperwork, pay any filing fees, and declare your candidacy. Please refer to the “2024 Important Dates” information at the top of this page for more info.
5. CAMPAIGN PLANNING
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Develop a campaign strategy. Consider your platform, goals, and how you’ll connect with voters. Create a budget, gather supporters, and plan outreach efforts.
6. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
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Comply with campaign finance laws. File financial disclosure forms as required by the state and county.
​PDC (Public Disclosure Commission) https://www.pdc.wa.gov/
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Campaign Regulations and Public Disclosure
The Washington Public Disclosure Commission is the state agency that regulates campaign finance and political advertising.
When someone files a complaint about a candidate not following state campaign rules, the Public Disclosure Commission is the governing body that determines the merits of the complaint and any fines merited.
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Becoming a Candidate
You become a candidate, subject to public disclosure rules, when you do any of the following:
• Accept a campaign contribution;
• Spend money on your campaign;
• Reserve advertising space or authorize someone else to do that for you;
• State publicly that you are running;
• File a declaration of candidacy.
Within two weeks of doing any of these you must contact the PDC to begin filing campaign reports.
Reporting Options
Candidates can choose mini or full reporting.
Mini reporting is for candidates raising and spending no more than $7,000, including the candidate’s own contributions, and will receive no more than $500 from a single contributor other than the candidate.
Candidates can switch to full reporting and should contact the PDC for deadlines. Full reporting deadlines can be found at https://www.pdc.wa.gov/registration-reporting/candidates-committees/registration-reporting-basics/key-dates-2023.
Full reporting limits are at https://www.pdc.wa.gov/rules-enforcement/guidelines-restrictions/contribution-limits.
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Documents:
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C1 – Registration – Due within 2 weeks of becoming a candidate
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F1 – Financial Statement – Due within 2 weeks of becoming a candidate
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C3’s (deposits) due every week on Mondays starting June of an election year
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C4’s (expense reports) due on the 10th of each month, and 21 and 7 days before elections
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Mini-filing:
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Spending cap at $7,000
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$500 contributor cap – except candidate
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Exempt from filing C3’s and C4’s, but must keep records
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Constrains ability to surplus
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Deadline to switch to full filing is June 16th/August 30th
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7. ATTEND CANDIDATE FORUMS & DEBATES
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Engage with the community by participating in candidate forums, debates, and public events. Share your vision and listen to constituents’ concerns. Once you file as a candidate, you should receive invites to these forums and debates. We recommend that you search for local events to attend such as the Blackberry Festival, Art Walk, Whaling Days, etc. Attending these events is a great way to earn voters.
8. CAMPAIGN MATERIALS, WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA
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Design campaign materials such as flyers, brochures, and a website. Use social media and traditional methods to reach voters.
Voters Pamphlet
Local Voters’ Pamphlet – Candidate Statements
Publishing a Local Voters’ Pamphlet A printed copy of the Local Voters’ Pamphlet is mailed to all households within the election about four weeks prior to each Primary and General Election. Statements appear in the printed Local Voters’ Pamphlet and Online Ballot Access.
(RCW 29A.32.210-280)
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Submitting Your Candidate Statement You will receive a confirmation email with a link to submit the statement once your candidate filing has been approved. You may use the link provided. If you are a candidate for a county office, we prefer you use the electronic submission method, but you may instead submit your statement directly to Kitsap County Elections. PCO candidates do not submit statements.
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Statements consist of:
1. Photograph
2. Campaign Contact Information
3. Biography
4. Statement
Statement Specifications
• Italics may be used for emphasis.
• Bulleted lists, bold, underline, all-caps text and multiple indentations are not allowed and will be reformatted.
• Tables and graphs are not allowed.
• Hyphenated words count as two words unless listed as one word by dictionary.com.
• Statements exceeding the word limit are shortened by deleting full sentences from the end until the limit is reached.
• Statements containing obscene, profane, libelous or defamatory language will be rejected. (RCW 29A.32.090)
• Candidate Statements must be limited to statements about the candidate himself or herself. (RCW 29A.32.090, RCW29A.32.230(3))
Voters’ Pamphlet deadlines are intended to promote timely publication and may be adjusted.
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Submission Deadline
• May 27: Deadline for candidates to submit statements, photos.
• A final proof is provided to candidates that must be approved within three business days otherwise it is approved as submitted.
(WAC 434-381-180)
1. Photograph
You may submit a self-portrait of your head and shoulders. Use a light-colored background, but not white. Photos must be no more than five years old. A color photo is preferred.
Digital photos must be a minimum 300 dpi resolution and no smaller than 2.5 inches x 3 inches. Your photo may not be digitally altered.
Pins, robes, signage, uniforms or insignias suggesting the wearer has held public office are not allowed. RCW 29A.32.110 Kitsap County
Administrative Rules - Local Voters’ Pamphlet
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2. Campaign Contact Information Candidates may submit contact information consisting of a phone number, email address, and website. Contact information does not count towards the word limit.
3. Biography
You may submit a 100-word biography using the following headings, which may be omitted:
• Elected; or Legal/Judicial Experience*
• Other Professional Experience
• Education
• Community Service
* 'Legal/Judicial Experience' heading for judicial candidates only.
4. Statement
You may submit a statement in addition to your photo, contact information and biography. Statement word limits are established by state law:
• 100 words (2 paragraphs): State Rep.
• 200 words (4 paragraphs): All other offices.
(RCW 29A.32.121)
Candidate and Measure Videos
Candidates and committees may submit video statements that convey the same messages as their printed statements. Candidates and committees should consider the video statement as a video version of the written statement and should mostly be word-for-word reproductions of the written versions for a different audience.
Video statements are included in Online Ballot Access via VoteWA.gov, a digital ballot delivery system that also allows voters to access Voters’ Pamphlet information. Online ballot access uses the highest level of internet security and is fully accessible for use by all voters.
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Video Specifications
• Video statements must be a spoken reproduction of the written statements.
• Candidate videos must not exceed 3 minutes.
• Committee videos must not exceed 3 minutes, 30 seconds and may include rebuttals.
• No pins, robes, signage, uniforms or insignias suggesting the wearer has held public office. RCW 29A.32.110
• Preferred file type is MP4.
Maximum file size is 128 MB.
Bremerton – Kitsap Access Television
An alternative to filming your own video is to contact Bremerton – Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) to schedule a video shoot. BKAT charges to film, edit and submit videos. Each video recording session is 20 minutes. Bring a thumb drive with a minimum of 1 GB of storage to save your video.
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For more information, or to schedule a video shoot, contact BKAT. Filming sessions are available by appointment:
Bremerton – Kitsap Access Television
Colleen Miko
colleen.miko@ci.bremerton.wa.us
360-473-5026
Note: BKAT will submit videos they film to the Kitsap County Auditor – Elections Division.
Cost: $50, cash or check only.
Video Submission Deadlines
Candidate and Committee Videos
• June 14: Deadline to submit videos for candidates and for measures on the Aug. 2 Primary Election ballot.
Committee Videos
• August 31: Deadline to submit videos for the Nov. 8 General Election.
• January 6. Deadline to submit videos for the Feb. 14, 2023 Special Election.
• March 10. Deadline to submit videos for the April 25, 2023 Special Election
Voters’ Pamphlet and video deadlines are intended to promote timely publication and may be adjusted.
Political Sign Regulations
Contact governing organizations listed below for specifics on size, type and placement options before making your signs. Contact the Public Disclosure Commission for regulations on political sign and campaign literature wording.
Unincorporated Kitsap County
Contact: Department of Community Development
Phone: 360-337-5777
Email: Kshadbol@kitsap.gov
Web: www.codepublishing.com/wa/kitsapcounty/ (see Title 17.510.060)
Washington State Department of Transportation
Contact: Tanya Joblonski
Phone: 360-705-7294
Email: OutdoorAdvertisingControl@wsdot.wa.gov
Web: wsdot.wa.gov
Area: All state highways within Kitsap County – 3, 16, 166, 104, 160, 303, 304, 305, 307, 308,
310 and that portion of Kitsap Way from Highway 3 to Callow Avenue.
City of Bainbridge Island
Contact: City of Bainbridge Island Planning and Community Development
Phone: 206-842-2552; Fax: 206-780-0955
Email: pcd@bainbridgewa.gov
Web: www.codepublishing.com/WA/BainbridgeIsland (see Title 15.08.095)
City of Bremerton
Contact: City of Bremerton Department of Community Development
Phone: 360-473-5289; Fax: 360-473-5278
Email: Garrett.Jackson@ci.bremerton.wa.us
Web: www.codepublishing.com/WA/Bremerton (see Title 20.52.085)
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City of Port Orchard
Contact: City of Port Orchard Planning Department
Phone: 360-874-5533; Fax: 360-876-4980
Email: planning@portorchardwa.gov
Web: www.codepublishing.com/wa/portorchard (see POMC 20.132.270)
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City of Poulsbo
Contact: City of Poulsbo Planning Department
Phone: 360-394-9748; Fax: 360-697-8269
Email: plan&econ@cityofpoulsbo.com
Web: http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/poulsbo/ (see Title 18.170.080)
Political Advertising
The Washington Public Disclosure Commission provides guidance on what is required in candidate and campaign advertising. The guidelines can be found at:
https://www.pdc.wa.gov/rules-enforcement/guidelines-restrictions/political-advertising-guide
Public Disclosure Commission
P.O. Box 40908
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: 360-753-1111, 1-877-601-2828
Email: pdc@pdc.wa.gov
Web: pdc.wa.gov
Website
Required materials:
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At least 3 photos of the candidate. It’s recommended to have a few photos with family or community members as well.
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At least 3 written statements concerning topics involved in the position the candidate is running for. For instance, if the candidate is running for City Council, they may choose to focus their campaign on the homelessness crisis, increasing crime rates, and illegal drug use.
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If the candidate is interested in receiving donations on their website, they will need to register an account with an online donation system such as (Provide Example)
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Create a video statement about the candidates’ history, motivations, plans for office, etc.
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Once those steps have been completed, we can begin building out the campaign website. The KCRP does have a website template for endorsed candidates to use. If the candidate is not familiar with how to build or maintain a website, the KCRP might be able to provide support. If you need help with the website, send an email to board@kitsaprepublicans.com (Need to verify that it’s not republican.com)
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Domain and Hosting:
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Register a domain name that aligns with the candidate’s name or campaign.
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Choose a reliable web hosting service to host the website.
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Candidate Biography:
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Include a detailed background about the candidate.
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Highlight relevant experience, qualifications, and personal story.
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Issues Pages:
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Clearly state the candidate’s positions on key issues.
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Compare and contrast these positions with those of opponents.
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Endorsements:
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Showcase any endorsements received from organizations, community leaders, or influential individuals.
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Create a dedicated endorsements page or feature them throughout the website.
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Campaign News or Blog:
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Regularly update a news section or blog with campaign updates, events, and announcements.
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Engage visitors by sharing relevant content.
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Contact and Volunteer Form:
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Provide a way for visitors to get in touch with the campaign.
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Include a contact form and real-world contact information.
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Calls to Action (CTAs):
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Encourage visitors to take specific actions (e.g., donate, volunteer, sign up for newsletters).
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Place CTAs strategically throughout the site.
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Social Media Integration:
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Link to the candidate’s social media profiles.
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Display live feeds or share campaign updates on social platforms.
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9. VOTER EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT
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Door knocking is a very effective method for winning elections. We recommend you visit every eligible voter and attempt to speak with them face-to-face; if they don’t answer the door, have a door hanger or flyer to leave behind. The KCRP can provide candidates with walking maps. You can also get these maps by them from the Kitsap County Elections Office.
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Educate voters about your candidacy. Explain your qualifications, experience, and vision for the office.
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Schedule which events your campaign will be attending. Add an event calendar to your materials and website. Send messages about events out on social media posts.
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Continue to engage with voters as much as possible until the election cycle has concluded.
​10. ELECTION DAY
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Encourage voters to cast their ballots. Review match-backs and contact voters who haven’t submitted their ballots yet.
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Monitor the election results and be prepared for a potential runoff if needed.