Primary focusPolitical actors
Influence mechanismPolitical incentives
At a glance
Best forInfluencing voter choices and candidate positions.
Creates change byMaking an issue relevant to electoral decisions and incentives.
Works best whenAn election gives voters or candidates a real opportunity to influence the issue.
What is Electoral Influence?
Electoral Influence is a participation strategy that tries to affect voter choices, candidate positions, or election results around an issue.Participants can inform voters, make public concerns visible, compare positions, or encourage candidates to explain what they would do. This can make the issue more important during an election.This strategy is especially useful when an election can affect who has authority over the issue or what position elected representatives may take.“Elections can change political incentives when voters make an issue part of their choice.”
insights
Key takeawayElections create influence when an issue matters to the choices of voters and candidates.
Characteristics
Best used forInfluencing decisions
Influence mechanismPolitical incentives
Primary focusPolitical actors
Time horizonMonths
Organizational complexityModerate
External dependencyHigh
Why it works
Builds awarenessHelps more people notice an issue, understand it, and see why it matters.
Creates public visibilityMakes an issue easier to notice through public activity, communication, or repeated exposure.
Creates political incentivesChanges the political benefits, risks, or public expectations linked to a decision.
Shifts public perceptionChanges how people understand an issue, proposal, institution, or possible course of action.
Creates accountabilityMakes decisions, commitments, and results visible so they can be reviewed and compared.
How influence develops
1. Connect the issue to the electionIdentify how voters, candidates, or elected representatives can influence the issue.
2. Inform voters and other audiencesHelp people understand the issue and why electoral choices may matter to it.
3. Make voter priorities visibleShow that people care about the issue and may consider it when judging candidates or parties.
4. Change candidate incentivesVisible voter concern can give candidates reasons to address the issue, explain their position, or make commitments.
5. Influence voter choicesClearer information and candidate positions help voters consider the issue when making their decision.
6. Carry influence beyond the electionPublic commitments and voter priorities can support continued engagement and accountability after the election.
Decision guide
Use this strategy when
an upcoming election creates a real opportunity for influence
voters can affect who has authority over the issue
candidate positions on the issue matter or may still change
better public awareness could affect voter choices
visible voter concern could change political incentives
Avoid it when
the issue has little connection to elected authority
there is no relevant election within the needed timeframe
the main need is implementation rather than political commitment
the activity cannot be carried out within applicable election rules
Strategic strengths
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Connects issues to political incentivesCandidates have stronger reasons to respond when an issue may affect how people vote.
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Creates moments of attentionElection periods can create opportunities to bring an issue into public and political discussion.
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Clarifies candidate positionsPublic engagement can encourage candidates to explain where they stand and what they plan to do.
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Supports later accountabilityPublic campaign commitments can later be compared with what elected representatives actually do.
Practical limitations
Depends on election timingThe strongest opportunities usually happen around elections and may not match when the issue needs attention.
Competes with other issuesVoters and candidates consider many concerns, so one issue may have limited influence on electoral choices.
Promises do not ensure actionCandidate positions can change, and elected representatives may face limits after the election.
Must follow election rulesElectoral activities may be subject to legal or institutional rules that affect how organizations can participate.
Risks & ethics
MisrepresentationThe initiative may overstate support, evidence, representation, or likely results.
ManipulationInformation, pressure, or participation may be used to influence people without enough transparency.
BiasDecisions, evidence, or participation may consistently favor some perspectives over others.
Legal riskActivities may create legal, regulatory, contractual, or liability concerns.
Conflict escalationThe strategy may increase conflict or make future cooperation more difficult.
security
InsightHelp people make informed political choices without misleading them, misrepresenting candidate positions, or claiming broader electoral support than actually exists.
Common mistakes
Unclear targetThe people or institutions expected to respond have not been clearly identified.
Poor communicationParticipants do not receive clear, timely, or consistent information about the work.
Insufficient evidenceClaims or decisions are made without enough credible information.
Expecting immediate resultsThe initiative expects meaningful change before the relationships, evidence, or influence needed for it have developed.
Weak follow-upThe initiative does not communicate results, maintain relationships, or act on what was learned.
Expected outcomes
Greater awarenessMore people recognize the issue and understand why it matters.
Stronger public supportMore people openly support the initiative, its request, or its proposed direction.
Behavior changeIndividuals, organizations, or institutions change how they act.
Policy changeA policy is introduced, changed, adopted, rejected, or implemented differently.
Institutional accountabilityAn institution is required to explain, review, or correct its decisions or actions.
Works well with
FAQ
Is electoral influence only about supporting candidates?No. It can include informing voters, raising issues, comparing positions, encouraging participation, and asking candidates for public commitments without supporting a specific candidate.
When is electoral influence most useful?It is most useful when an election can affect who has authority over the issue and when voter concern can influence political decisions.
What happens after the election?Candidate positions and promises can become reference points for later engagement, monitoring, and accountability.
Are there special rules for electoral activities?Often. The rules depend on the country, the type of organization, funding, and the activity. Organizers should understand the relevant requirements before proceeding.