Candidate Statement: How to Write an Effective Campaign Message for Any Election

Introduction

Whether you’re running for a seat on a company board, a cooperative’s leadership team, a nonprofit association, or an employee committee, crafting a clear and compelling candidate statement can make all the difference. This document allows you to present your ideas, values, and commitments directly to voters.

In this article, you’ll learn what a candidate statement is, why it matters, what it should include, and how to tailor it to your specific election context.

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What Is a Candidate Statement?

A candidate statement is a written or digital declaration in which an individual or a list of candidates outlines their motivations, goals, and proposals ahead of an election. It’s a vital tool for informing voters and distinguishing yourself from other candidates. It can take the form of a text, PDF, visual document, or even a video message.

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Why Should You Write One?

While it may not always be required by election rules, a candidate statement offers several advantages:

• Clarify your platform: Share your priorities and commitments clearly.
• Engage the electorate: Help voters make informed decisions.
• Show credibility: Demonstrate transparency and preparedness.
• Stand out: Distinguish yourself with a structured and authentic message.

What Should It Include?

A strong candidate statement should contain the following:

1. An engaging introduction: Who you are and why you’re running.
2. Your values and vision: What matters to you and your team (if applicable).
3. Concrete proposals: What you plan to do if elected.
4. Commitments to action: What voters can expect from you.
5. Candidate or team bios: Names, roles, backgrounds, and photos if appropriate.
6. A clear call to vote: Encourage participation with a positive tone.

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Tailoring Your Statement to Different Election Types

• Workplace elections (e.g., employee committees or CSE equivalents): Emphasize employee well-being, social dialogue, safety, and fairness.
• Board of directors: Focus on governance, strategic vision, and stakeholder representation.
• Nonprofits and associations: Highlight shared values, community goals, and continuity.
• Cooperatives or mutuals: Promote transparency, member involvement, and democratic governance.

How to Share It Effectively

You can distribute your statement:

• As a printed handout or poster
• Via email or company intranet
• On a digital voting platform like Voteer, where it’s accessible before and during the election
• As a video, for a more direct and engaging connection

💡 Whether as a PDF or video, your candidate statement remains accessible directly on the voting platform.

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Using Voteer to Share Your Candidate Statement

Voteer makes it easy to publish your candidate statement:

• Available as PDF, text, or video
• Accessible on any device (desktop, mobile, tablet)
• Equal visibility for all candidates

This ensures transparency and fairness throughout the election process.

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Conclusion

A well-crafted candidate statement is a key asset in any internal election. It helps clarify your message, connect with your audience, and demonstrate your commitment to the role. Tools like Voteer simplify the publication and ensure equal access for all voters — whether your statement is written, visual, or video-based.

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