A political campaign is a process of persuading voters to support a specific candidate or cause. It involves creating, managing, and overseeing a team of staffers, volunteers, and outside experts who work together to identify, persuade, organize, and mobilize supporters.
In many countries, the goal of a political campaign is to secure a majority (or at least a plurality) of votes. While candidates often rely on paid campaign managers and consultants to manage strategic decision-making and day-to-day operations, the bulk of a political campaign is organized and carried out by volunteers who make contact with potential voters and other supporters.
Many politicians participate in public debates with their opponents in local communities, which are known as hustings. They also stand on their high street or in local community buildings during the campaign period and speak to the crowd, explaining their views on various issues facing the area. Campaigns may also run adverts in local newspapers and online, but in the UK it’s a legal requirement for printed campaign materials to state who funded them.
Unlike some other types of work, a political campaign can be highly demanding and emotionally exhausting. It can involve long hours and working evenings and weekends, and it is not unusual for staffers to take on responsibilities that are outside their comfort zone or areas of expertise. This can lead to stress and burnout in some cases. In addition, some campaigns are highly competitive and may require significant amounts of funding.