If you want to reach as many voters as possible, you might need to engage with them in a variety of different ways. These are some of the things you might want to think about.
Do you want to use the materials provided by the States? If so, you will need:
- Content for a two-page manifesto (in one of five possible templates)
- A script or outline for a 3-minute video, and
- Content for a candidate page on the Elections website
There is more information about how to prepare for each of these in the official candidates’ guide, towards the end of the document.
Do you want somewhere candidates can find out more about you? If so, you might want:
- A separate personal manifesto (online-only, or printed)
- A personal website
Do you want to drop something through people’s letterboxes, or have something to hand to people you meet face-to-face? If so, that could be:
- A separate personal manifesto (as above)
- A postcard or calling card, telling people where they can find out more about you
Do you want to connect with people on social media? If so, you might want to set up accounts on:
- Youtube
- or any other platform you’re comfortable with
Do you want a variety of ways of connecting with people online? If so, you might consider:
- A personal website (as above)
- A blog
- Graphics with your key messages – you can post these on social media
- Audio recordings
- Videos
- Livestream events
Do you want anything visual? If so, how about:
- Posters (think about where these might be displayed, and how big they’d need to be)
- Banners (if you’re arranging a face-to-face event, for example)
- Something more creative?
There are probably plenty of other things I have forgotten about, but hopefully this is a good core of campaign materials to get you thinking. You won’t use all of these – some of them are more costly and time-consuming than others, for little gain in terms of impact, so if you have a limited budget, don’t try to do all of this! Focus on a few things, do them well, and take advantage of every free opportunity (media supplements, hustings and face-to-face events, and so on) to raise your profile.
Go back to Getting Into Guernsey Politics
Go back to Section 1.2: Getting Elected
Register to Vote
