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Political Advocacy Toolkit
The Alliance Political Advocacy Toolkit is designed to provide you with resources, references and guidelines for effective involvement in the policy making arena.
How do I get involved?
How do I register to vote?
How do I find out about elections in my area?
How do I find further information about city, county, state elections?
How do I communicate with my elected officials?
How do I testify on issues I care about?
Tips for writing letters to the editor
How do I contact the Portland Business Alliance Government Relations department?
How do I get involved?
- Set an example by voting and learning about issues.
- Encourage employees, friends and family to register and vote.
- Contact your legislator - by letter, phone, email or visit.
- Educate your employees, friends and family on political issues.
- Testify at City Council, County, Metro and State hearings.
- Write a letter to the editor.
- Volunteer time or money on a political campaign.
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How do I register to vote?
Registering to vote and going to the polls are simple ways to affect the political process. More importantly, making sure your friends, family and employees are registered to vote can impact an election. Elections are often won by just a few hundred votes, so making sure that people turn in their ballots at area libraries, via mail or other designated drop-offs on election day is critical to the election outcome. Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to vote:
- US citizenship
- At least 18 years old at the time of the election
- A county resident for 30 days prior to the election
- Not a convicted felon
You can always register at the county elections department, any local DMV, local banks, post offices, and most political party headquarters.
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How do I find out about elections in my area?
In addition to primary and general elections there can often be special elections in cities and counties. Please check with your county or city election Web site or office to learn about local election dates.
Remember, Oregon is completely vote by mail. Allow time for your ballot to reach the elections bureau-don't wait until election day to send your ballot in. Also remember that your ballot can be turned in at any county library, election bureau or other designated area. Ballots must be turned in by 8 p.m. on election day.
These Web sites include useful information about local elections:
http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/index.cfm?c=26642
http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dbcs/elections/
http://www.clackamas.us/elections/
http://www.co.washington.or.us/cgi/electhom/main.pl
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How do I find further information about city, county, state and federal government?
For more information on what is happening at the legislature and what our government is doing, it is best to visit some of the following Web sites:
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How do I communicate with my elected officials?
Many business owners do not realize how a simple letter, phone call or email can influence legislators. This is especially true if you are able to initiate a letter writing campaign. Educating employees and other business owners on issues that are important to your company and politically motivating them is highly effective. The following tips will help you persuade legislators and make your communications more effective.
Tips for communicating with elected officials:
- Identify yourself. Make sure the legislator is aware that you live or do
business in his/her district.
- Personalize your letter. Elected officials need to know how the legislation will affect your business.
- Be specific. Refer to bill numbers whenever possible.
- Ask for the legislator's support or opposition.
- Keep to the facts. Avoid emotional arguments.
- Keep communication respectful. Never threaten your Legislator.
- Use your letterhead. Sign the letter and provide your contact information.
- Remember that in some cities, the elected official is unpaid and often has another job or has his or her own business.
Useful legislative contact information
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How do I testify on issues I care about?
At some point, you may want to provide testimony during a City Council or County Commission hearing. We can help prepare you for such an event, if you are testifying on an issue for which the Portland Business Alliance is taking a stand. Please notify us in advance when you are planning to provide testimony at 503.552.6772 or email Marion Haynes.
When should I provide testimony?
We at the Portland Business Alliance believe that our members can provide a unique and personal view on issues. In certain circumstances, we may call upon you to directly represent your company, and to provide testimony.
How do I schedule a time to submit testimony?
The Portland Business Alliance will help coordinate your testimony if you are testifying on behalf of an issue the Portland Business Alliance Board has agreed to track. If you wish to testify on an unrelated issue, you can visit the county, city or state Web site to see where your issue falls on the agenda. Show up early for Council or County Commission hearings, and allow yourself plenty of time. Often hearings can go long or short, so you should be prepared to testify earlier than you had intended or later than you anticipated.
Do I need to sign up to testify?
Yes. Generally, there will be a sign up sheet or card outside or just inside the chambers. Provide all of the information required on the card.
Should I bring exhibits for the committee and do I need to bring extra copies?
It is a good idea to provide members of the committee with needed information to effectively convey your ideas. It is best to bring 10 copies when testifying before Metro, seven copies when testifying before Portland City Council, and seven copies when testifying before Multnomah County. After signing in to testify, ask the secretary if she would like the copies in advance or at the time of your testimony; the clerk will always pass out your exhibits for you.
How do I address the elected officials?
Your opening remarks should always contain a formal introduction to the body, your name, and whom you are representing. Here is an example: "Thank you Mr. (Madame) Chair and Commissioners. My name is (insert name) and I am here today representing (insert company)." You can begin your testimony after a formal introduction is made. You will have two to three minutes depending on where you are speaking. Many people feel more comfortable reading a prepared statement. This enables you to touch on specific points you might forget once you are sitting at the testimony table. Remember to speak slowly, clearly and into the microphone provided. Want to see how you did? You can watch yourself on your local public access channel; air times are provided by the clerk.
What if they ask me questions?
Sometimes members of the Commission or Council will ask you a question about your testimony. The proper response to any member asking a question is to acknowledge the person asking the question and then answer the question: "Thank you Mr. (Madame) Chair…"
Everyone gets nervous, even seasoned professionals. Our best advice is to be calm, and to stick to your notes or prepared statement.
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Tips for writing letters to the editor
- Personalize your letter and provide examples on how your business will be affected by a particular issue.
- Include your name, address and telephone number.
- Limit your letter to roughly 250 words or less.
- Send your letter to multiple newspapers, this will increase the chances of publication.
- Send a copy to your legislator.
- And, please copy the Portland Business Alliance.
Contact information for writing a letter to the editor:
The Oregonian
Ph 503.221.8150
Fax 503.294.4193
Email: letters@news.oregonian.com
Attn: Letters to the Editor
1320 SW Broadway
Portland, Oregon 97201
Portland Tribune
Ph: 503.226.6397
Fax: 503.226.7042
Attn: Letter to the Editor
6605 SE Lake Road
Portland, OR 97222
Business Journal
Ph: 503.274.8733
Fax: 503.227.2650
Email: portland@bizjournals.com
Attn: Letter to the Editor
851 SW Sixth Avenue #500
Portland, OR 97204
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How do I contact the Portland Business Alliance Government Relations department?
The Portland Business Alliance is also a resource for members in navigating the political process. The Government Affairs Department keeps interested members informed about important legislation and other political issues. Please contact the Portland Business Alliance with your questions related to business issues and share your thoughts and opinions with us.
Bernie Bottomly, Vice President Government Affairs and Economic Development
Marion Haynes, Director of Government Affairs
RJ Cervantes, Policy Analyst
We are here to help you make the most of your political influence. If you need further assistance, please contact the Portland Business Alliance at:
200 SW Market Street, Suite 1770
Portland, OR 97201
503.224.8384
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