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Killer App of Campaign 08 – The Cell Phone? |
Posted by Jordan Viator at Sep 24, 2008 09:45 AM CDT Categories: Nonprofit Trends , Social Media , Technology |
In this momentous and historical election year, everyone seems to be talking about the political Web sites, social media strategies and the impact digital media are having in the 2008 election. “Online strategy” has remained a popular buzzword in this presidential election and it looks as if the efforts made online might just determine this year’s results.
But I want to add another buzzword to the table – “mobile strategy” – and raise the question of if this in fact will play a crucial role and be a deciding factor for the presidential hopefuls.
Of course you’ve already heard how the politicians are using mobile to do things like announce their Veep candidate, and as exciting and energizing as that strategy was, what about other organizations who are using cell phones and text messaging to literally get people into the voting booth?
Rock the Vote’s Executive Director Heather Smith shared one of the organization’s most effective strategies on a panel earlier this year: fueling the youth movement on the “4th screen” to mobilize youth voters like never before. And though text messaging may sound like an unlikely tactic to get Gen Yers to take action (and rather one that’s primarily used as a social communications tool) Rock the Vote’s results are astounding.
Out of the 1.4 million names they have in their email house file (as of May of 2008), 12% opt in to cell phone messaging. And when texts are sent out on Election Day with a reminder to vote and a link to the voter’s poll location, turnout increases by 4%. Those numbers are quite impressive and surprisingly come from, yes, text message alerts!
With a goal of getting 2 million young people ages 18-29 registered in 2008, cell phones might just be the killer app that helps mobilize and decide the vote in 2008.
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I agree that by using cell phones politicians might have discovered the gate keeper to (excuse the pun) get in touch with 18-29ers . And, with the booming smart phone industry that presence and reach is only going to get bigger.
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I certainly agree that text alerts are a mobilizing factor and immediate reminder that will appeal particularly to the 20-to-30something population. As someone in a slightly higher age demographic, I am still open to that means of campaign communiques; however, my preferred mode of receiving electronic appeals is via the numerous web sites I've contacted to keep me informed. I've done everything from volunteer my time, order campaign buttons and even donate money. It's working for me and I'm sure for others like me who reside under the "baby boomer" umbrella.