Acquiring a targeted voter list is a key step in running an effective political campaign. There are several sources where you can obtain voter data. Each source offers different levels of detail, access, and cost.
1. State Election Offices
Most states provide access to voter data through their election boards or offices. You can request a voter list directly from these offices, often for a fee. The data provided usually includes names, addresses, and party affiliation, but may not contain enhanced information like voter history or demographics. State-level voter lists are often the first step in obtaining a targeted voter list, especially for local elections.
When requesting voter lists from state election offices, it’s important to familiarize yourself with any legal requirements and the cost of obtaining the data. Some states restrict the use of the data, so make sure you understand any limitations before purchasing.
2. National Voter File Providers
There are several private vendors that offer targeted voter lists with more comprehensive data. These vendors often provide detailed insights such as voting history, demographics, consumer behavior, and more. Major voter file providers include:
- Aristotle: Offers a vast database of voter information with detailed segmentation options.
- L2 Political: Provides high-quality data with extensive targeting features.
- TargetSmart: Offers advanced data tools for political campaigns.
- NGP VAN: Known for its detailed data and user-friendly platform.
These vendors allow campaigns to purchase targeted voter lists based on criteria such as geographic location, party affiliation, and voting history. Prices vary depending on the level of data and the number of voters included in the list.
3. Political Parties & Campaign Committees
Political parties often offer access to voter files for candidates, particularly if you are running under their banner. Both the Democratic and Republican parties maintain their own voter databases, which they use to help campaigns. These lists are generally more detailed and include information like party affiliation, past voting history, and demographic data. Access to these lists is often restricted based on party affiliation and may come with certain conditions.
For example, the Democratic Party uses NGP VAN, while the Republican Party uses the Republican Data Trust. These lists can be a valuable resource for campaigns looking to target specific groups of voters.
4. Grassroots Data Collection & Self-Built Lists
Many campaigns choose to build their own targeted voter list by collecting data through grassroots efforts. This can include door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and online petitions. Collecting data in this way allows campaigns to gather more personalized information directly from voters, which can lead to stronger engagement.
While building your own voter list can be more time-consuming and requires careful attention to data privacy laws, it allows campaigns to tailor their outreach efforts even more precisely. Just be sure to comply with data privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or other local laws when collecting and using voter information.
