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Equal Vote Local Candidate Endorsement
Equal is an organization that empowers women, traditionally underrepresented groups, and young people to step forward and take on the mantle of leadership, work to get out the vote, and to respectfully engage in politics. We use our voices to ensure equality, freedom, and social justice for all.
Endorsements are not a statement about an opponent, but rather an assessment of candidates who meet Equal’s criteria, pass vetting procedures, and fit with Equal’s purpose and values. We, therefore, may endorse multiple candidates in the same primary. We hold no promises that an endorsement by Equal will result in the election of a candidate to office. Eligible voters going to the polls and voting determines who will win.
If candidates have some, but not all of our values, Equal may still work with them because they are compelling in other ways or they may be evolving. Some potential candidates may be delayed in the endorsement process if they are still building their campaign platform. (Equal does not provide financial funding, but Equal’s resources and support may help those candidates reach their goals.)
Our endorsement process has no time limit, but it is recommended that candidates get an early start. Equal’s administrators are volunteers and are actively involved in the election process. Administrators will recuse themselves from making decisions about candidates with whom they are already actively involved.
To be considered for endorsement, please fill out this application. Endorsement applications are available on a rolling basis. Though we cannot endorse all candidates who apply, Equal seriously considers each application. You do not need to be a member of Equal to apply and receive an endorsement, but we hope you will join us.
ENDORSEMENT CRITERIA
In order to be eligible for an endorsement, candidates must:
● Be 18 or older on Election Day
● Be eligible by law to become a candidate
● Have a campaign committee
● Be committed to running a clean, above-board campaign
● Not running as a third party candidate
● Believe in diversity and inclusiveness
● Represent progressive values
● Be able to articulate or are open to developing a clear path to victory
● Agree to place Equal link on your campaign website next to your Equal endorsement
ENDORSEMENT PROCESS
To be endorsed, the candidate must follow this process of endorsement:
● Apply
● Be interviewed ● Be vetted, which may include:
a. Public criminal record search on IDtrue and sex registry,
b. Media search,
c. Extensive social media review,
d. Public record search of voting history or verifiable public records,
e. Personal history (voting records, newspaper articles, advocacy,
f. FEC search, if a repeated candidate or politician,
● Provide letters of recommendation (optional) Email letters to EqualVoteLocal@gmail.com