A political campaign is a concerted effort to elect candidates to public office or pass ballot initiatives (such as constitutional amendments, legislative referenda, or local ordinances). During election years—known as “on years”—campaigns are organized in thousands of jurisdictions worldwide. During these campaigns, a candidate’s or ballot initiative’s supporters identify, persuade, organize, and mobilize voters to support the candidate’s cause. Campaigns are typically run by large teams of volunteers and paid staffers with the guidance of consultants.
The goal of a political campaign is to win as many votes as possible, or a majority of the total number of ballots cast. Political campaigning is an essential component of democratic societies, and it occurs even in non-democratic societies if there are issues worthy of debate.
Few people take entry-level jobs on political campaigns for the immediate monetary rewards; most do so in recognition that such work will provide invaluable networking and experience, as well as a unique perspective into electoral politics. As a result, career aspirants who want to pursue government work should give serious consideration both to the type of job they would optimally prefer, and the level at which they can enter the campaign process. Often, senior campaign staff look to those who have demonstrated their commitment to the campaign by entering the process at a particular point in its evolution.
Law students looking to gain a foothold on political campaigns should begin by using their alumni connections. The president of their law school’s GOP or Democrat club should be able to help with this, as well as referring them to undergraduate partisan groups that do similar work.
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