Get to Know a Candidate
The vetting process is the most resource intensive function performed by the organization on a continuous basis.
Output of this effort is useful to the organization for endorsement purposes, as well as being extremely valuable to the organization's membership when they prepare to cast their vote. Members can rely on the organization to provide timely and accurate details on each candidate as they relate to the polices members favor and how well groups under the umbrella align with them.
The Work
The vetting process requires several steps:
- Completing a Candidate Petition for Endorsement questionnaire to indicate where they align with the policy platform of the umbrella organization and which are their intended goal(s) as an office holder.
- Evaluation of the questionnaire by the organization for compliance with endorsement guidelines and minimum criteria followed by initial outreach for background data and references
- Background check (criminal, social media, voting record, etc.) for inconstancies or other adverse information. Including interview of references
- Candidate interview and Q&A where both sides can resolve any outstanding issues or questions
- Endorsement decision by the executive board and public announcement that includes a Platform Alignment Score.
Follow Up
The candidate is then assigned a case manager who follows up with the candidate, provides debate schedule information and monitors the candidates debate performance and public statements for alignment with their stated policy goals.
This continues into the term of office, should the candidate win election, providing periodic updates regarding progress toward the candidate's policy goals and continuous endorsement re-evaluation.
If endorsement status is changed, a candidate is given the chance to appeal and correct errors, explain votes, or change policy goals.