Malcolm Rivera
Political campaigns are a cornerstone of democracy, providing a platform for candidates to seek votes and shape their agendas. In the US, the election cycle for presidential candidates spans four years. However, this is not the only election that matters. Local politics are equally important, and citizens are encouraged to get involved beyond presidential elections. The frequency of elections in the US leads to constant campaigning and fundraising, resulting in exhaustion and low voter turnout. The election process is also expensive, with candidates raising millions or even billions of dollars through donations and political action committees (PACs). These funds are used for campaign-related expenses, and any leftover money must be used for permitted purposes, such as charitable donations or saved for future campaigns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Election cycle for presidential candidates | 4 years |
| Election cycle for House of Representatives candidates | 2 years |
| Election cycle for Senate candidates | 6 years |
| Presidential candidates' spending limit | $40.9 million |
| Presidential candidates' spending limit per person of voting age population in a state | $817,800 |
| Maximum contribution per individual towards the $5,000 threshold in each state | $250 |
| Presidential election campaign fund | $3 |
| Presidential election campaign fund in 1994 | $1 |
| Presidential election campaign fund in 1966 | $1 |
| Total funding for pediatric cancer research over 10 years | $126 million |
| Donations received by candidates in the 2020 presidential cycle | $4.1 billion |
| Election spending for the 2020 presidential election | $14 billion |
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What You'll Learn
- Presidential campaigns are not the only elections that matter
- Constant campaigning and fundraising instead of governing
- Official announcements mark the start of public campaigns
- Sub-campaigns: fundraising, support from party leaders, and journalists
- Short-term volunteer stints can lead to more senior campaign roles
Presidential campaigns are not the only elections that matter
One notable example is midterm elections, which are held approximately two years after a presidential election. Midterm elections are crucial because they allow voters to select representatives for numerous key offices across the nation. These include all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 33-34 seats in the Senate, and governorships in 34 states. Additionally, many states elect officers to their state legislatures, and there are also elections at the municipal level for mayors and other local public offices.
The importance of midterm elections cannot be overstated. They often have a significant impact on the control of state governments and key state offices, influencing policy decisions and legislation. For instance, following the Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court in June 2022, abortion became a state-level issue. The state legislature and governors in each state hold the power to pass laws regarding abortion access or criminalization, highlighting the direct impact of midterm elections on critical issues.
Furthermore, midterm elections often see the president's party lose seats in Congress, and the opposition party can gain control of one or both houses. This shift in power dynamics can lead to substantial changes in policy direction and legislative priorities. Voting in midterm elections is essential for citizens to have a say in these crucial matters, even though voter turnout is typically lower compared to presidential elections.
In addition to midterm elections, there are also special elections that may be held outside of the regular election cycle. These elections can fill vacancies for Senators, governors, or other local officials, ensuring continuous representation and addressing urgent matters that arise between the regular election cycles.
Overall, while presidential campaigns capture significant attention and play a pivotal role in shaping the country's future, they are not the sole elections that matter. Midterm and special elections, occurring at different intervals, are equally vital in determining policy, representation, and the balance of power in government. Informed and active participation in these elections is essential for citizens to exercise their democratic rights and influence the direction of the country at various levels.
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Constant campaigning and fundraising instead of governing
The permanent campaign has been associated with former US President Bill Clinton, who, even after his presidency, remained prominent on the national stage as a surrogate for his wife, Hillary Clinton. Another notable example is former President Donald Trump, who filed the paperwork for his 2020 reelection committee on the day he took office in 2016. Trump's administration was described as operating in a ""state of permanent campaign," with no pause for the usual honeymoon hiatus that newly-elected presidents typically take to focus on governing.
The rise of the permanent campaign has shifted the focus of politicians and governing bodies from long-term policy implementation to short-term gains in poll numbers and fundraising. This shift has resulted in a decline in ideology, with parties and candidates quickly changing their stances to align with public opinion polling. Policy debates have become muted, and the mobilization of support and funds has taken precedence.
The increased influence of money in politics has contributed to the phenomenon of constant campaigning. In the United States, campaign spending has steadily increased over the years, with nearly $14 billion spent on federal election campaigns in 2020, making it the most expensive campaign season in the country's history. This influx of money comes from individuals, corporations, political action committees, and sometimes the government itself. The involvement of special interest groups and lobbyists further complicates the landscape, with billionaires using their wealth to elect hand-picked candidates who will further their agenda.
The constant campaigning and fundraising cycle has significant implications for governance. It leaves little time for thoughtful and meaningful policy implementation, as politicians are focused on short-term gains and maintaining their public image. This dynamic mirrors the corporate world, where executives are under intense pressure to deliver quarterly results, often at the expense of the company's long-term health. In the political arena, this pressure translates into a preoccupation with poll numbers and fundraising, potentially compromising the quality of governance.
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Official announcements mark the start of public campaigns
Political campaigns are not only once every four years. The number of years in an election cycle differs according to the federal office sought. The election cycle spans two years for House of Representatives candidates, four years for presidential candidates, and six years for Senate candidates.
A campaign announcement is the formal public launch of a political campaign, often delivered in a speech by the candidate at a political rally. Formal campaign announcements play an important role in United States presidential elections, particularly in shaping the start of a campaign season. They became more significant with the introduction of presidential primaries in the early 20th century. The expression "to throw one's hat in the ring," describing a challenger in boxing, was popularized by Theodore Roosevelt's 1912 presidential campaign.
There has been a trend of announcements coming earlier, even being preceded by an invisible primary phase and often as a first public step by an exploratory committee. A pledge to not run, the opposite of a campaign announcement, is known as a Shermanesque statement. The timing of announcements has to balance aspects of first-mover advantage, name recognition, political momentum, and campaign fundraising.
In the 2020 election, more than 1,000 candidates filed to run for president with the Federal Election Commission. Notable candidates who announced their campaigns include Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Pete Buttigieg, and Andrew Yang.
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Sub-campaigns: fundraising, support from party leaders, and journalists
Political campaigns are not only once every four years. The number of years in an election cycle differs according to the federal office sought. The election cycle spans two years for House of Representatives candidates, four years for presidential candidates, and six years for Senate candidates.
Sub-campaigns: Fundraising
Political fundraisers often solicit contributions through direct mail campaigns, fundraising events, door-to-door solicitations, and meet-and-greets with political figures in the form of talks or dinners. Fundraising strategies have evolved to include digital outreach, with social media becoming a leading online fundraising tool. For instance, crowdfunding is a popular and affordable way to raise money for a campaign, with features such as social media buttons, subscription buttons, and virtual donor walls that encourage trust and donations. Mobile fundraising is another important aspect, with donors supporting campaigns via their smartphones through methods such as text-to-give and digital wallets.
Sub-campaigns: Support from Party Leaders and Journalists
Political campaigns involve liaising with party leaders and journalists. The political desks of a campaign are responsible for briefing the candidate on the political terrain, securing the support or non-interference of other political leaders, and maintaining a close relationship with the campaign's field workers. Additionally, journalists play a crucial role in political campaigns, as they can influence public opinion and shape the narrative surrounding a candidate's platform and ideas.
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Short-term volunteer stints can lead to more senior campaign roles
Political campaigns occur at different intervals depending on the office being sought. While presidential campaigns take place every four years, campaigns for the House of Representatives are biennial, and Senate campaigns occur every six years.
Volunteers are crucial to the success of political campaigns, and short-term volunteer stints can indeed pave the way for more senior campaign roles. Campaigns often rely on volunteers to perform essential tasks such as canvassing, phone banking, and voter outreach. While some volunteers may be content to remain in their comfort zones, others will be eager to take on more responsibility. Campaigns that effectively manage their volunteers recognize this and promote from within, filling more senior roles with capable and responsible volunteers.
Volunteers who excel and demonstrate leadership qualities are prime candidates for management positions. Campaigns benefit from such promotions as they bring valuable perspective and insight to the team. Moreover, promoting from within can motivate other volunteers to work towards similar achievements and foster a sense of teamwork.
Short-term volunteer stints can be excellent stepping stones to more senior campaign roles, especially for those new to the political campaign environment. Volunteers can gain experience in various roles, from communications leads and database administrators to campaign managers and political desk representatives. These roles offer opportunities to develop valuable skills such as working under pressure, synthesizing information, and giving attention to detail.
Volunteers who prove their worth during short-term stints may be hired for paid positions in subsequent campaigns. While most entry-level campaign positions offer meager compensation, they provide invaluable connections and experience that can lead to more senior roles in future campaigns or political careers.
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Frequently asked questions
No, political campaigns are not only once every 4 years. While the election cycle for US presidential candidates spans four years, there are also House and Senate races, state and local offices, and ballot measures that occur more frequently.
US presidential elections occur every four years.
Yes, there are also campaigns for House and Senate seats, state and local offices, and ballot measures.
Individuals can get involved in politics by registering to vote, attending local governing body meetings, and participating in local elections, where their vote may have a greater impact.
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