Winning an Election

 Winning Elections: Focus on Activating Supporters, Not Persuading Opponents.

Elections are won by those who show up. If you're running a campaign, your time and resources are limited—so why waste them trying to convince people who have already decided to oppose you? Instead, the most effective strategy is simple: energize your base, make it easy for them to vote, and turn them into advocates who bring others along.

1. Stop Chasing the Unpersuadable

Many campaigns fall into the trap of trying to win over staunch opponents or undecided voters who demand unreasonable concessions. While persuasion has its place, pouring excessive effort into changing entrenched opinions is often a losing battle.  

Opponents won’t switch sides easily, they’ve already made up their minds.  

Fence-sitters may not be worth the effort, if they’re indifferent, they’re unlikely to vote at all.  

Capitulating to critics weakens your core message, don’t dilute your platform just to appease a few.  

2. Activate Your Fanatics

Your most passionate supporters are your greatest asset. They don’t just vote, they volunteer, donate, and persuade others. Your job is to motivate them to act.

Make voting effortless by provide clear information on registration, early voting, and polling locations.  

Leverage peer-to-peer influence. Encourage supporters to bring friends, family, and colleagues to the polls.  

Create a sense of urgency and highlight what’s at stake if they don’t show up.  

3. Build a Self-Sustaining Movement 

The best campaigns don’t just ask for votes, they create a culture of participation.

Reward engagement. Recognize top volunteers, share success stories, and make supporters feel valued.  

Use social proof. when people see others voting, they’re more likely to join in.  

Turn voters into recruiters. A single motivated supporter can influence dozens more.  

4. Data Over Guesswork

Modern campaigns thrive on analytics. Instead of guessing who might be swayed, use data to: 

a) Identify high-propensity voters (those who consistently vote).  

b) Target low-propensity but aligned voters (those who support you but don’t always show up).  

c) Ignore unlikely voters who don’t align with your message.  

5. Mobilize, Don’t Just Persuade

Winning isn’t about changing every mind, it’s about making sure the right minds show up. Stop wasting time on lost causes and focus on turning your supporters into an unstoppable force. Activate the believers. Make voting irresistible. Win.