Types of Political Campaign Letters

Ongoing correspondence in a small political campaign is critical to keeping the momentum going. Advertising is geared toward the public, but the local media and individual campaign supporters require a more personal touch.

The typical types of political campaign letters are listed below. There is no particular sequence of letters once a campaign kicks off, and some are used multiple times throughout a campaign.

General Campaign Letter Formats:

• Press Releases: These include your entry into the race, endorsements, issue positions, campaign events, and post-event releases.
• Endorsement Letters: Sample letters to the editor, endorsement requests from other organizations and individuals.
• Fundraising Appeals: General, close family and friends, general appeals, push after primary, follow up appeals, final fund raising push before election or primary.
• Personal Invitation Letter: For guests of honor to campaign events.
• Thank You Letters: For event speakers, donors, volunteers, and supporters.
• Policy Briefs: Detailed policy proposals or positions.
• Volunteer Recruitment: Encouraging community volunteering.
• Community Outreach: Engaging with community leaders.
• Constituent Feedback: Addressing constituent inquiries.
• Event Follow-Up: Thanking attendees and summarizing events.
• Press Kits: Media resource packages containing background information and resources.
• Surrogate Outreach: Enlisting influential support from individuals or organizations.

It’s a good idea to have a series of pre-written letters created early in the campaign. Having your a press release to announce your candidacy, initial fund raising appeals, and thank you letters drafted before you actually need them will save you time and help streamline your correspondence later in the campaign.