10 Ways to Win Over Less Informed Voters

Finding a way to appeal to voters who don’t care about being educated on the issues is one of the most difficult challenges during a campaign. How can you make a less informed voter listen to your messages and remember your name?

Less informed voters are either a clean slate who know nothing about an election, or voters who already have incorrect knowledge about a campaign. The key to changing their mindsets is to inform voters about your campaign without them realizing it.

American Majority has compiled a list of 10 ways you can reach these voters in a subtle, positive way.

Use Social Media

These days, almost all young and middle-aged voters are getting at least some of their news online through social media.  Probably one of the most efficient ways of getting voters to recognize your face is to post on social media.

Create Facebook events for things you will be hosting and make the invitation open to everyone.  Have a public relations/journalism team create articles about you and your issues to post on your page.  Budget money to ‘boost’ posts on Facebook – this means more people will view your content even if they do not follow you.

Tweet often.  Tweet about your campaign, events you are at, issues you care about and be sure to tweet at other handles.  Get your name out into the cyber world. You can learn more strategies for success in social media with our AM Online Courses.

Use Radio and Print News

Short radio blurbs get your name into the public ear.  If the less informed voter hears your radio ad everyday on their commutes to and from work, overtime, they will recognize your name.  This might lead them to educate themselves to learn more about you and your campaign.

Don’t rule out print news.  In the newspaper, be sure to include photos of yourself and your family.  Be open to interviews with the press as often as possible.

Be kind to journalists

Ultimately, your fate is in their hands.  You want the media to at least have a working relationship with the media, because they are the ones who will be influencing what goes into the news.  If you are rude and arrogant to journalists they might publish a harmful piece about you.

Remember that less informed voters are likely to believe whatever they see in the news as true.  You want to do everything in your power to influence that belief in your favor.

Have a Catchy Slogan/Merchandise

Come up with a slogan that encompasses your campaign message as a whole.  Make is short but memorable.  “Make America Great Again,” “Love Trumps Hate,” and “Hope” are a few examples of recent presidential slogans.

Once you have a slogan, publicize it everywhere.  Invest in merchandise to give out for free.  You can give away pens, fans, cards, magnets, buttons, stickers and signboards for people to put in their yards.

This merchandise is basically advertisements for your campaigns.  less informed voters will see your name and slogan associated with other voters.

Be Memorable

An less informed voter isn’t going to know the difference between you and another candidate if they can’t remember you.  Think outside of the box with your campaigns.

Use comedic relief if it is the appropriate time and place.  Many millennial voters believe president Obama was one of the best presidents ever, because he would do goofy, memorial things.  

At the same time, be sure to be yourself.  A “fake” candidate is easily recognizable and is a turnoff to many voters.

Appeal to Emotion in Your Campaign

A memorable campaign is one that gets voters talking and thinking about the issues.

Whatever you choose for your main issues to campaign, explain to the less informed voter why it is important by telling a story.  Keep it short and to the point, but be sure to make the voter feel for the issues.

Focus Your Campaign on Yourself

Negative campaigns often turn off voters.  If you are going to criticize your competition, make sure you can back it up with facts.

Instead focus on all of the positive things you have to offer.  Do you volunteer your time?  Were you in the armed forces? Do you have previous experience in office positions?  Tell the voters why you are the right fit for this position rather than telling them why the other person isn’t.

Go to Community Events as Often as Possible

Actions speak louder than words.  If the less informed voters aren’t coming to you to get information about your campaign, go to them.

Get into the public eye to show voters how involved you are and how much good you do for the community.  Bring your merchandise to events, ask to speak at community club meetings.  Donate funds and time to organizations in your area.  The media might notice your attendance at events, which is great for your campaign.

Never Underestimate the Power of Word Of Mouth

People follow people.  If you make a good impression to one voter, they will spread that impression with others.  The same happens if you leave a negative impression.

Be kind to everyone you come in contact with during your campaign whether or not they are behind the scenes.  You never know who is watching and who might say something to an less informed voter.  Word of mouth can win or lose you several votes.

Always Say Thank You

Be sure to thank every single person who helps out with your campaign. Remain humble. If you come in contact with an less informed voter, be sure to thank them for taking the time to get to know you.

Thank individual supporters who attend your events. Whether you simply say “thank you” or send a thank you note, expressing sincere gratitude makes a person feel important and special. Your likeability is a trickle effect that will reach the less informed voter and ultimately affect their opinion of you.