Question

Topic: Copywriting

Campaign Question

Posted by Anonymous on 8/31/2010 at 11:21 AM ET 500 Points
I'm working on a local city council campaign. I'm planning on sending postcards to those who request absentee ballots. Since it's a postcard I don't need a lot of wording, but am not sure what to say as I don't want to come across as condescending (saying something like - thanks for getting your ballot and voting in the election, etc.) Any help would be appreciated.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 8/31/2010 at 11:28 AM Accepted
    Obviously the goal is to promote your candidate, so that should be your focus. It should end with a specific call for action "Vote for xxx".
  • Posted on 8/31/2010 at 11:31 AM Accepted
    Explain, in bullet points, the general procedure and deadlines etc. for those who don't know those things. Be informative -- it shows responsibility and thoughtfulness.


    Peter
  • Posted by melissa.paulik on 8/31/2010 at 1:43 PM Accepted
    How about something like:

    Thank you for requesting your absentee ballot for this year's elections. Be sure your vote is counted by returning it (through whatever mechanism is set up in your state) by (insert deadline).
  • Posted on 8/31/2010 at 9:04 PM Moderator
    If there are issues that define your candidate, you might want to include reference to them as reasons to vote for him/her. While you want to not be too heavy-handed, the reason you're sending the card is to persuade folks to vote for your candidate, right?

    If you can make the reason-why a cause or a pet issue, that will take the focus off the individual (and whether he/she is too preachy) and place it on a topic that might be important to your target audience.

    Bad example: "A vote for Jane Doe is a vote for fixing the potholes on Main Street."

    You get the idea. This isn't a public service ad. It's an encouragement to vote for your candidate. Be single-minded about your purpose so there's no chance they'll miss the message.
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