Getting to the Ballot:Tips from TRU

Megan OwensCFTE TIC June 2015

www.DetroitTransit.org

Getting to the Ballot

1. Learn your laws–Every state is different

2. Get polling data–Don’t assume you know!

3. Build support early–Seek lots of input–Win before its even on the ballot

LEARN YOUR LAWSTip 1:

Learn Your Laws

• Every state and region is different– Ballot Authorization • State, county, agency, signatures

– Timing– Win %

• Double and triple check. Never assume.

GET POLLING DATATip 2:

Get Polling Data• Cheap ways– Analyze similar

elections from the recent past

– Partner with universities or other organizations

– Add questions to another group’s poll• Ballot test question• Attitude towards

transit agency

• Ideally– Hire experienced

professionals• Know your region’s

politics, demographics• Know transit ballot

measures– Poll early and often• Baseline• Messaging• Trends

Summary of Key Questions Re Support for TransitQ9 – Support funding for transit through taxes/feesQ14 – Trust in new RTA to improve transitQ20 – Election test question

Yes Unsure No0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

67.1%

18.6%14.3%

46.6%

29.5%23.9%

45.9%

11.5%

42.6%

Q9 Q14 Q20

Opposers(19)

Conservative NO Votes(75)

Old Swing Voters(156)

Young Swing Voters(104)

Supporters(181)

Total(535)

0%10%

20%30%

40%50%

60%70%

80%90%

100%

“Primary reason that you support public funding for transit”

People need it to get to work, school, and other places(254)

I ride it or might ride it in fu-ture(41)

Public transit stimulates the economic development of our region(83)

Public transit improves the quality of life in Southeast Michigan(102)

Public transit can reduce transportation expenses and increase access to jobs(55)

Opposers(50)

Conservative NO Votes(38)

Old Swing Voters(16)

Young Swing Voters(9)

Supporters(0)

Total(113)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

“Top reason you don't support public funding for transit”

Public transit can attract crime(3)

I don’t want my tax dol-lars to pay for public transit.(35)

I don’t use transit and transportation dollars should be spent on roads. (27)

Public transit in this re-gion is not convenient or reliable. (10)

I don’t trust my tax dol-lars will be spent effec-tively by the government.(38)

Opposers(18)

Conservative NO Votes(18)

Old Swing Voters(25)

Young Swing Voters(27)

Supporters(6)

Total(94)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

“Top reason you are not sure about pub-lic funding for transit”

I don’t know how transit funds are spent(36)

Few people use the current public transit(3)My tax dollars might be wasted by the govern-ment(19)

I think funding for road improvements is more worthwhile(21)

I do not want to have any more taxes(14)

Public transit is not safe(1)

• Voter uncertainty about the RTA benefits• Educating the public about RTA and its purposes, and

communicating to the public the purposes and details of the Regional Transit Plan, must be the top priority.

• Voters distrust in transit spending• Transparency in decision making and clear accountability

measures by the RTA

Lessons Learned

• Sufficient support among supporters and swing voters• We can win by mobilizing supporters (23.7%) and winning

2/3 of swing voters (44.6%).• Messages should focus on undecided groups

• Need to strengthening perceived benefits of transit• Messages should focus primarily on the benefits for non-

riders and indirect benefits.• Messages should relate to specific improvements, which

will be made possible through the additional funding.

Lessons Learned

BUILD SUPPORT EARLYTip 3:

If you want to get advice, ask for money.

If you want to get money, ask for advice.

Build Support by Seeking Input

• Why?– Create the plan people want!

– Learn concerns and misperceptions.

– Identify potential opposition• Seek to minimize it

– Build ownership and buy-in

• Who?– Elected officials, business, community leaders

– Everyone you want help / support from!

Pre-Campaign: Why Transit Matters

Build Support Early

• Build your coalition– Get them carrying your message

• Build supporter lists– Contact info– Interests, strengths, networks

• Maximize grant fundable-activities

Getting to the Ballot

1. Learn your laws–Every state is different

2. Get polling data–Don’t assume you know!

3. Build support early–Seek lots of input–Win before it is on the ballot