Understanding Campaigns — Glossary

Efforts and policies aimed at changing the rules and procedures that determine how candidates qualify to appear on election ballots. These reforms seek to increase fairness and reduce barriers to candidacy.

Legal or procedural barriers that candidates or parties must overcome to appear on election ballots, often affecting minor parties and independents.

Collecting and submitting completed absentee or mail-in ballots by third parties to increase voter turnout for a campaign or cause.

Direct voter contact by campaign workers or volunteers to persuade, inform, or mobilize supporters. It involves door-to-door visits, phone calls, or personal interactions.

Public declarations of support for a candidate or party by influential individuals or organizations to sway voter opinion.

A legal limit on the amount of money an individual or group can contribute to a political campaign to reduce undue influence.

Legal requirements for political campaigns to publicly report sources of funding and expenditures to promote transparency and accountability. Disclosure helps prevent corruption and undue influence.

Legal regulations governing the funding of political campaigns.

A system where public funds match small donations to political campaigns to amplify grassroots support and reduce candidates' reliance on large donors.

The strategy of organizing local volunteers and resources to directly engage and mobilize voters.

Using detailed voter data to tailor political messages to specific groups or individuals to influence their voting behavior.

The deliberate presentation of political information in a way that favors a candidate or party, often by framing events positively or deflecting criticism.

An individual who speaks or campaigns on behalf of a candidate, often a celebrity or party leader, to broaden outreach and influence voters.

Individuals who speak or campaign on behalf of a candidate to extend reach and influence during elections.

The process by which political parties identify, evaluate, and encourage individuals to run for public office.

A campaign strategy that focuses on the personal qualities and appeal of an individual candidate rather than their party or ideology.

An election where party members vote directly to choose their candidates for a subsequent general election.

The influence endorsements from prominent figures or organizations have on voters' candidate preferences.

A survey conducted immediately after voters leave polling stations to predict election outcomes and analyze voter behavior. These polls provide early election insights.

Surveys conducted immediately after voters leave polling stations to predict election outcomes and analyze voter behavior.

A political messaging tactic that presents two opposing arguments as equally valid despite significant differences in evidence or morality.

A campaign strategy focusing on direct voter contact through canvassing, phone calls, and local organizing.

The electoral edge enjoyed by current officeholders due to name recognition, resources, and established networks. This advantage often increases their chances of re-election.

Presenting political issues in a way that influences public perception and opinion.

The perception that a political party or candidate is best able to handle a specific policy issue. It influences voter decisions based on issue priorities.

The importance voters assign to specific political issues when making electoral decisions.

A strategy where candidates focus on criticizing opponents rather than promoting their own policies. It aims to reduce support for competitors through attack ads or rhetoric.

Gathering information about political opponents to use against them in campaigns.

The distribution of resources or favors by politicians to supporters in exchange for political support. It can undermine democratic fairness and accountability.

An organization that collects and spends money to influence elections and legislation, often representing interest groups. PACs play a major role in campaign financing.

The process by which individuals or groups create new political issues or movements to gain support or influence.

A party organization that uses patronage and mobilization to maintain political control, often relying on loyalty and favors. Machines can dominate local politics.

The strategic communication techniques used by candidates and parties to influence public opinion and voter behavior. It involves crafting persuasive narratives and slogans to promote political agendas.

The strategic presentation or interpretation of information to influence public perception in favor of a political actor.

Political messaging that appeals to ordinary people against perceived elites or establishments. It often simplifies complex issues to gain mass support.

Surveys conducted before elections to measure voter preferences and predict outcomes.

Presidential coattails describe the influence a popular presidential candidate has in boosting the electoral success of their party's down-ballot candidates.

An election held to select a party's candidate for a subsequent general election.

The systematic collection and analysis of data to gauge citizens' attitudes and preferences on political issues or candidates.

Political activities conducted outside formal campaign regulations to influence elections indirectly.

When voters base their electoral choice primarily on one specific political issue, ignoring others.

A political communicator who shapes information to present a favorable interpretation of events or policies.

A candidate whose presence in an election draws votes from a major candidate, potentially changing the outcome.

Decisions by potential candidates to run or not based on calculations about winning chances and vote splitting.

A state in which no single candidate or party has overwhelming support, making it highly competitive and critical in determining election outcomes. Candidates often focus resources on these states during campaigns.

The illegal practice of offering money or goods to voters in exchange for their votes. It undermines free and fair elections.

Efforts by political parties or organizations to encourage and increase voter turnout, especially among supportive demographics.