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Our Approach to Using the Internet
Issues Campaigns

In the past, political campaigns have considered a Web site an optional "bell and whistle" used in addition to traditional methods of reaching the voting public. Like sending a direct mail piece, these sites usually hosted collateral material in the belief that somehow they might influence the vote. With the 2000 election season, however, campaigns are beginning to see the potential of the Internet not to significantly influence the vote, but to help manage the campaign and to raise more money.

We at e-Elections believe that the true power of the Internet lies in three areas that each and every campaign can and should utilize to their full extent:

Online Fund-raising
Studies are showing that 7 of 10 people donating to political campaigns over the Internet have never given to a campaign before. Why? While hard data is difficult to come by, we believe that the Internet is reaching a segment of the population that has become disenchanted with the political system, or simply has not had the time or inclination to become familiar with the issues. What is more, political donations over the Internet average $60 each, which is $25 more than the average donation given by traditional means.

Virtual Management of Volunteers
By using our Volunteer Recruiting Form and database management, anyone who clicks on the "Volunteer" button on your Web site will be presented with a long list of questions, from "Will you put up a lawn sign?" to "I will walk door to door for this campaign." The forms, submitted to your volunteer coordinator, will provide your campaign with a data-rich list that can be queried by individual questions. Online volunteer management is compatible with existing databases.

E-mail Outreach
By using e-mail to reach volunteers and potential supporters, campaigns can reduce direct mail costs and save time. While you build your own e-mail database, referrals can be solicited from known supporters and from issue-based lists, such as non-profits that support your cause and agree to send out an e-mail to their memberships on your behalf. Those e-mail messages will carry a link to your Web site, where those who click through will be given the opportunity to volunteer or donate. Your e-mail database should also be used to encourage your supporters to vote on Election Day, and to recruit like-minded voters to visit the polls.

To read more about how advocates are using the Internet, read: New Audience for Advocacy Groups on the Internet, The New York Times, September 14, 1999

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