Election Day Is Just the Beginning: A Communications Strategy for Engaging New Policymakers

If you're an informed voter, you likely have one very important date already on your calendar: 

• Nov. 3: General and Special Election Day

While Election Day is a key milestone for voters, it should also serve as an important marker in your communications strategy.

Depending on your organization’s priorities and strategic objectives for 2027, the period immediately following Election Day may signal the emergence of a new audience that warrants attention: newly elected policymakers.

Build Relationships before They Take Office
With a new General Assembly and an incoming administration preparing to take office in Ohio, the weeks between the election and January present a valuable opportunity to build relationships, introduce your organization, share your expertise and help educate newly elected policymakers on the issues that matter most to your industry before they begin shaping public policy.

Shape the Conversation Early
Revisit your communications plan and evaluate the tools and tactics you’re using to reach this critical audience.

• Create dynamic collateral materials, infographics or brochures that clearly and effectively tell the story of your work.
• Bring your story to life through reels and longer-form videos, using your members and stakeholders to show the impact you have.
• Engage with policymakers and their aides on social media, creating dynamic posts that capture their attention and include your work in the conversation online.

Move Beyond Awareness
In addition to pitching your members as subject matter experts, strengthen your media relations and grassroots communications efforts

• Highlight the impact of your members' work by drafting and submitting letters to the editor and op-eds in local and regional publications. Forward copies of the printed letters to local legislative offices to help ensure policymakers see firsthand how your members are making a difference in their communities.
• Extend the impact of work happening locally by inviting policymakers to visit members' facilities or offices while they are in their home districts, providing firsthand exposure to the issues and successes within your industry.
• Maximize the value of in-person visits by equipping members with social media toolkits that make it easy to share key messages, photos and outcomes online, amplifying visibility and engagement beyond the event itself.

Provide the Knowledge They Need to Lead
The weeks following an election represent one of the most important opportunities in the advocacy cycle. Newly elected policymakers are gathering information, building relationships and identifying trusted sources they can turn to for guidance.

Trade associations that invest in strategic communications during this period can help shape understanding long before policy debates begin.

By providing timely data, real-world insights and practical expertise, your organization can establish itself as a credible resource, strengthen its advocacy efforts and build relationships that create lasting value for both policymakers and the industries they serve.

This article was provided to OSAP by OSAP Member Becca Thomas, who works for Columbus-based Inspire PR Group. Find out more about Inspire.