The 5 Best Things to Ask a Voter in a Text Message (Besides Asking for a Vote)

You're sitting down to write your first campaign text message. You know you should say who you are and what you're running for. But then what?

The obvious choice is: "Can I count on your vote?"

That works. But it's not the only option—and sometimes, it's not even the best option.

The truth is, the most effective campaign texts aren't just asking for votes. They're starting conversations, gathering information, and building relationships.

This guide gives you five simple, effective things to ask voters in a text message that go beyond the basic "Vote for me" approach.

Why Not Just Ask for Their Vote Every Time?

Asking directly for support ("Can I count on your vote?") is important—especially in the final weeks before an election.

But if every message you send is just "Vote for me," you risk:

• Coming across as transactional, not relational
• Missing opportunities to learn what voters care about
• Failing to engage undecided voters who need more than a simple ask

The best campaigns use a mix of message types: some ask for votes, some ask questions, some provide helpful info, and some invite participation.

Let's look at five alternative asks that work incredibly well for local campaigns.

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Question #1: "What's Your Neighborhood's Biggest Concern?"

Why This Works

This question:

• Shows you're listening, not just talking
• Gathers real intel on what issues matter most to voters
• Opens a conversation instead of ending it
• Works for undecided voters who may not know you yet

Example Message

Hi Sarah, I'm Mike, running for city council in District 3. I'm reaching out to learn what issues matter most to you. What's your neighborhood's biggest concern right now—traffic, safety, schools, or something else?

What Happens Next

Voters reply with:

• "Potholes on Maple Street are terrible."
• "I'm worried about property taxes going up."
• "We need a new park for kids."

You now have two advantages:

1. You know what voters care about, so you can address it in your campaign
2. You have a natural follow-up – "I totally agree. Here's what I plan to do about that..."

When to Use This

• Early in your campaign – When you're still introducing yourself and building your platform
• In exploratory texts – When you want to identify key issues for your messaging
• With undecided voters – When you need to build rapport before asking for support

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Question #2: "Can We Count on Your Support?"

Why This Works

This is a softer version of "Will you vote for me?"

It:

• Feels less demanding than "Vote for me"
• Invites a yes/no answer, making it easy to reply
• Identifies supporters so you can focus on turning them out

Example Message

Hi John, I'm Laura, running for school board. I'm focused on smaller class sizes and better teacher pay. Can we count on your support on November 5th?

What Happens Next

Responses typically fall into three categories:

1. Yes:

• "Absolutely!"
• "You have my vote!"

Mark these voters as supporters. Send them GOTV reminders as Election Day approaches.

2. Maybe / Need more info:

• "I need to learn more about your positions."
• "I'm still deciding."

These are your persuasion targets. Follow up with more details or offer to have a phone call.

3. No:

• "I'm supporting someone else."
• "Not interested."

Respect their answer. Thank them for their time and remove them from future campaign texts (unless it's a critical GOTV message).

When to Use This

• Mid-campaign – When you're building a supporter list for GOTV
• After an event or debate – When voters have just heard you speak
• With warm contacts – People who've already expressed interest or signed up for updates

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Question #3: "Do You Know Where Your Polling Place Is?"

Why This Works

This is helpful first, political second.

It:

• Provides value instead of just asking for something
• Positions you as a resource, not just a candidate
• Reminds voters about the election without being pushy
• Identifies voters who need assistance, which you can provide

Example Message

Hi Maria, this is Tom, running for mayor. Election Day is November 5th. Do you know where your polling place is? I can help you find it if needed!

What Happens Next

If they say "yes":

• "Yes, I'm all set. Thanks!"

Perfect. You've reminded them about the election and shown you're helpful. Follow up closer to Election Day with a final reminder.

If they say "no":

• "I'm not sure. Can you tell me?"

You provide their polling location:

Your polling place is Lincoln Elementary, 123 Main St. It's open 7 AM to 8 PM. See you there!

You've now done them a favor. They're far more likely to remember you positively on Election Day.

When to Use This

• 10-14 days before Election Day – When early voting starts or in the final GOTV push
• In districts with recent redistricting – When polling locations may have changed
• With low-propensity voters – Who may need extra help and reminders

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Question #4: "Would You Be Willing to Volunteer?"

Why This Works

Not every voter can donate money, but many are willing to give time—especially in local races where neighbors know neighbors.

Asking for volunteers:

• Identifies your most passionate supporters
• Builds your campaign team without spending money
• Creates ownership – Volunteers become advocates who recruit others

Example Message

Hi Alex, I'm running for city council and I'm building a team of volunteers to help reach voters. Would you be willing to help out—even just for an hour or two? We need people to text, make calls, or knock on doors.

What Happens Next

If they say "yes":

• "Sure, I can help!"

Send them a follow-up with details on how to get involved. Even 1-2 hours of volunteer time is valuable.

If they say "maybe" or "depends":

• "What would I need to do?"

Explain the options (texting is easiest, phone calls next, door-knocking most time-intensive). Let them choose what they're comfortable with.

If they say "no":

• "I can't, but good luck!"

That's fine. Thank them and ask if they'd be willing to support in other ways (voting, donating, spreading the word).

When to Use This

• After someone replies positively – If they've already said "You have my vote," ask if they'll help spread the word
• Early/mid-campaign – When you're building your volunteer base
• After campaign events – When enthusiasm is high

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Question #5: "Can You Make It to Our Town Hall This Thursday?"

Why This Works

Text messages are one of the most effective ways to promote events because:

• They're direct and immediate (unlike emails that sit in inboxes)
• They create urgency ("This Thursday" feels more real than a Facebook post from last week)
• You can track RSVPs in real-time

Example Message

Hi Chris, I'm hosting a town hall this Thursday at 7 PM at the library to discuss our city's budget. Can you make it? Just reply YES or NO so I know how many people to expect.

What Happens Next

If they say "yes":

• "Yes, I'll be there!"

Perfect. Send a reminder the day before:

Great! See you tomorrow at 7 PM at the library (123 Main St). Looking forward to seeing you there!

If they say "no":

• "Can't make it, sorry."

No problem. Offer an alternative:

No worries! I'll be hosting another one next month. Can I send you details?

Or:

That's okay! Is there a specific issue you'd like me to address? I'm happy to chat now or set up a call.

When to Use This

• 7-10 days before an event – Enough notice for people to plan, not so far out they forget
• For town halls, forums, or meet-and-greets – In-person events where turnout matters
• With identified supporters – People who've already expressed interest in your campaign

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How to Choose Which Question to Ask

Not sure which question to use? Here's a quick decision guide:

You can (and should) use different questions at different stages of your campaign.

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Bonus: Combining Questions in a Multi-Touch Sequence

The most sophisticated local campaigns don't just send one text. They send a sequence of messages over time, each with a different ask.

Here's an example timeline for a city council campaign:

8 Weeks Before Election: Issue Question

Hi Sarah, I'm Mike, running for city council. What's your neighborhood's biggest concern—traffic, schools, or something else?

4 Weeks Before Election: Support Question

Hi Sarah, I'm Mike again. Thanks for your input on traffic issues. I'm focused on fixing Main Street congestion. Can we count on your support on Nov 5?

10 Days Before Election: Volunteer Ask

Hi Sarah, we're in the final stretch! Would you be willing to help spread the word? Even just forwarding this to a neighbor helps.

3 Days Before Election: Polling Place Info

Hi Sarah, Election Day is Tuesday! Your polling place is Lincoln Elementary, open 7 AM - 8 PM. See you there!

Election Day: Final Reminder

Hi Sarah, polls are open until 8 PM! Have you voted yet?

Each message has a different purpose, but together they build a relationship and move the voter from awareness → support → action.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Asking Too Much in One Message

Don't try to ask multiple questions in a single text:

• ❌ "What issues matter to you, and can you volunteer, and also do you know your polling place?"
• ✅ "What issues matter most to you?"

One question per message. Keep it simple.

Mistake #2: Not Following Up on Replies

If a voter takes the time to answer your question, respond promptly.

If you ask "What's your biggest concern?" and they reply "Potholes," don't leave them hanging. Reply with:

I completely agree. I've made road repair a top priority in my campaign. Thanks for sharing!

Mistake #3: Asking Questions You Can't Answer

Don't ask "What issues matter to you?" if you're not prepared to address a wide range of responses.

If someone says "I care about zoning laws," and you have no position on zoning, you've created an awkward situation.

Ask questions you're ready to engage with.

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The Bottom Line

The best campaign text messages don't just ask for votes—they:

• Ask what voters care about ("What's your neighborhood's biggest concern?")
• Invite support gently ("Can we count on your support?")
• Provide helpful information ("Do you know where your polling place is?")
• Recruit volunteers ("Would you be willing to help out?")
• Promote events ("Can you make it to our town hall?")

Use these five questions strategically throughout your campaign to build relationships, gather intel, recruit supporters, and turn out voters on Election Day.

The campaigns that win aren't the ones that shout "Vote for me!" the loudest.

They're the ones that listen, help, and engage.

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Ready to start asking voters the right questions? Get started with Political Comms

Need help crafting your message strategy? Contact our team—we'll help you plan the right questions for each stage of your campaign.