Sequence of Events for Referenda
- Strategic Planning, Board Goals, Vision Planning, Etc.
Can be ongoing for years - Needs Assessment Conducted
Allow 1-2 months - Facility Planning Committee (30-40 members, Board Selects)
Begins meeting 10-12 months (or sooner) prior to election. Meetings could begin prior to completion of needs assessment. Begin school tours. - Needs Assessment Data Reviewed, Make Tentative Recommendations
- Inform Community
Begin community engagement. Ask community to prioritize. Gather data. - Facility Planning Committee Meets Again and Develops Options
Prioritize options. - Determine Community Consensus
Could likely return to community for additional polling and consensus-building. Don't
rush this process. Work hard to get consensus and support from the community.
- Formulate Recommendations to Board
- Submit Recommendations to the Board
After about 6 months. All committee members should be present. All sign recommendations
- Inform Community of Board Approved Recommendations
Should be done as soon as possible after board approval, and should be completed no later than 8-10 weeks prior to election date. Send newsletter to entire community.
- Establish Campaign (PAC) Committee (40-50 Members)
Begin planning months prior to election. Immediately begin assigning responsibilities, etc.
Provide for about 8-10 weeks of campaigning.
- Conduct Voter Research; Identify YES Voters, Conduct Community Research, Etc.
Begin registration analysis gathering information on YES and undecided voters, survey, etc.
- Campaign (PAC) Committee Initiates Strategies/Activities, Including for Election Day
Some activities should not be activated until 10 days prior to the election. Some experts recommend that signs not be displayed any sooner than 4 weeks prior to election. Other experts, however, suggest signs not be displayed any earlier than 2 weeks prior to election day, and only then if you have lots of them.
Adapted from Steps to Success Matrix, a Fanning Howey publication.