Election Night Party
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ELECTION NIGHT PARTY
After the polls close on Election Day, it’s party time, your chance to give back to volunteers, to recognize them for their time and talents given to your campaign. Whatever the final result, it’s your volunteers and supporters who get you to election night.
Selecting a Venue
Begin by designating your party in your campaign budget as a line item. Locate a space large enough to accommodate your volunteers and supporters comfortably. Your best bet is a convenient restaurant whose owner supports you.
Other possibilities are your campaign headquarters or a supporter’s home. The home idea is least desirable only because it may be too small if more people may show up than expected not to mention the risk of damages from spilled or dropped food or drink. It can be a perfect setting though if you’re running in a very small district and expect about dozen attendees.
Ask someone else to reserve the venue, coordinate the event, and lead a committee of volunteers to help. Arrange for a variety of finger foods and liquid refreshments that range from soft drinks to beer and wine. A temporary liquor license might need to be purchased for the event, so check with the local permits agency.
Promoting the Party
Once a location is booked, promote your party on your Website and social media. Have the set-up crew position lots of your campaign signs outside to identify the place. And display several signs inside as backdrops if the media shows up to shoot photos.
Tracking Attendees
Have a table at the entrance with a sign-in sheet and pen, Sharpies and blank badges also. No one knows every other attendee, so a name badge is essential for each person, you included. When sending thank-you notes to those who came, you avoid missing anyone by referring to your sign-in list. Use it also for a fundraising letter if there’s campaign debt to be retired. And hang on to the list for when you run again.
Being Seen and Heard
Decide ahead where best to stand to address the crowd, a position where you can be seen and heard by all or most attendees. Stand next to a table so you can set down your notes and list of volunteers’ names to recognize. If you expect a large turnout, use a sound system.
Tracking Vote Counts
Track vote totals and percentages for you and your opponent on a white board or large pad with easel. Provide space for precinct totals and/or totals from multiple counties as they apply to your district.
Celebrating With Family
Ask your family and other loved ones to gather around you as you speak. Let them share in the glory of your victory, for they were affected most by your months of campaigning. The same goes for your campaign manager and other staff. Recognize each by name for his or her commitment and hard work.
Communicating with Media
Write media releases in advance, one for each potential outcome: win; loose; undecided. Include quotations from your victory speech and congratulate your opponent regardless of outcome.
Arriving Rested and Ready
Carve out time in the late afternoon to go home, shower, and gather your wits. Take a short nap. Eat a dinner heavy on protein to keep you on top of your game all evening. Then hit your victory party when polls close ready to meet friends and await returns.
The Take Away
A first victory celebration happens only once, so make your election-night party less hectic and more enjoyable for everyone by following these guidelines.
