Gubernatorial candidates want to address voters’ concerns, and they must hear from people throughout the state that PN-3 issues matter to them. If they are asked about PN-3 issues on the campaign trail, it prompts them to discuss those issues, and that engagement lays the groundwork for you to follow up on policy progress on those issues if they are elected.
This section outlines practical ways to ask questions, gather responses, and track engagement.
Why Getting Leaders on the Record Matters
Public responses shape expectations. Getting candidates to publicly articulate their positions on PN-3 priorities increases visibility, clarifies where they stand, and creates a foundation for follow-up. When leaders speak directly to the needs of infants, toddlers, and families, it strengthens accountability and elevates the issue, signaling that it is an important part of the policy conversation.
Asking clear, focused questions also helps campaigns better understand what communities care about and where additional information may be needed.
Remember to keep engagement centered on issues and solutions — not support for or opposition to any candidate. Your questions must be broad enough to get the candidates talking about the issues without indicating a “right” or “wrong” position on the issues. For that reason, your questions should be open-ended rather than yes/no.
Where and How to Ask Questions
There are multiple ways to invite candidates to share their perspectives:
- Ask questions at town halls, forums, or public events
- Submit questions in advance when opportunities are offered
- Host candidate roundtables
- Raise questions during meetings or small group conversations
- Ask questions online
- If a coalition partner is already hosting a candidate event or forum, join that opportunity rather than creating a new one
The key is clarity. Well-structured questions are more likely to generate usable responses. Whenever possible, ask questions that prompt concrete actions or timelines, not just general values.
Track Responses and Engagement
Tracking is what turns one interaction into an ongoing strategy. Document:
- Questions asked and where
- Verbatim or summarized responses
- Public statements or remarks
- Areas of interest raised by campaign staff
- Requests for follow-up information
- Points of contact within the campaign
- Agreed-upon next steps
A simple shared tracker helps ensure conversations build over time and that coalition partners stay aligned.
Follow Up With Purpose
Campaigns move quickly and often need reminders. Follow up to keep PN-3 priorities visible. Approach follow-up as part of a sustained relationship, not a one-time exchange.
- Send a short thank-you email after meetings or events
- Share concise resources tied directly to what was discussed
- Clarify next steps or timelines when possible
- Re-engage around key campaign moments
Keep Engagement Issues-Focused
Center conversations on policies, community experiences, and solutions that support infants, toddlers, and families. Avoid framing that could be interpreted as endorsing or opposing a candidate. Clear, consistent, solutions-oriented engagement builds credibility — and makes it easier to continue the conversation after the election.
