1) Run a compensated relational program that reached more low-propensity voters than the margin in 2019
2) Execute a head-to head test against paid canvassing to evaluate relative cost and efficacy in reaching targeted voters
Mississippi 2023
PROGRAM GOALS
by the numbers
1,729
Presley Ambassadors hired
72,501
contacts mapped in rally
$1.93
cost/relational touch
$11
cost/unique matched voter
participants
87% Black
88% BIPOC
network
82% Black
83% BIPOC
52% did not vote in 2019
52% did not vote in 2022
phase 1: recruitment
Target universe: Black voters with Dem support scores higher than 70, turnout scores lower than 60
Homophily effect: recruit the voters you want in your network
Phase 2: training
Virtual onboarding session: Included civic literacy training, education on the governor’s race, training on relational organizing
Participants joined Rally, our relational platform
phase 3: mobilization
Map 40 contacts in Rally and match themto voter file; make vote plans
Attend a Get Out the Vote Palooza
Optional: Attend an Election Day Bonus Palooza (1279 mobilizers attended!)
results: program reach
This program reached more low-propensity Black voters than the margin in 2019, contributing to the closest gubernatorial race in MS since 1999. Our network was 82% Black, and over 50% didn’t vote in 2019 or 2022.
A fun fact:
Brandon Presley flipped 3 counties that Dem candidate Jim Hood lost in 2019: Grenada, Forrest and Lowndes
Margin of victory across flipped counties: 1,982 votes
Our relational network across flipped counties: 2,434 voters
Learning: compensated relational continues to prove effective for reaching low-propensity voters and people of color.
results: relational vs. canvass
Relational program:
Cost per unique voter reached was $11
Cost per unique targeted voter reached was $28
Paid canvass:
Cost per unique targeted voter reached was $38