Candidates

Are you making a run for office? If so, you're going to need some volunteers. We all know that the best way to reach your constituents is to talk to them face-to-face.

Here at the Bus, we love to hit the streets and knock on doors for our favorite Bus candidates. We fill our bus with dozens of young people and head up to your area, knock on thousands of doors in a single afternoon, and then finish off the day with a rocking party.

Many of our Bus volunteers will continue to volunteer with you throughout your campaign, and give you the boost that you need during election season.

Does this sounds like fun? If your answer is yes, then this Bus is for you. Check out this letter to potential Bus candidates written by seasoned campaign manager, Liz Elwart. And then read below for all the information you need to apply to be a Bus candidate:

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Our Candidate Selection process is different from many other organizations' endorsement processes: when we choose a candidate to support, we put boots on the ground. That means we put our name on a smaller number of candidates than other organizations, but those that are chosen get our full attention.

The first step towards becoming a Bus candidate is simple: make a (short) video answering a few (simple) questions. This is a necessary and required step for candidates to be considered for Bus support. See the sections below for more details on what should be included in the video, and how to submit it.

We invite you to share the information in this email with the campaigns you work with.

Length:
3 minutes max - we're into the "brevity" thing.

Format:
Wide open - feel free to be yourself. The Bus is not an enemy of fun!

Answer these questions:
1. Why are you running for office?
2. Why do you want Bus support?
3. What is the top issue you would really fight for if elected to office?
4. Why should a young person support you?

How to get it to us (three easy steps):
1. Make the video!
2. Upload it YouTube!
3. Send the YouTube link to candidates@washingtonbus.org!

Due Date:

We must receive the links to the videos by 5:00 on Thursday, May 31st.

The Bus's Political and Legislative Committee will review the videos, and we'll inform candidates about whether they're moving into the next round in early June. We'll send next steps your way at that time.

Questions? Check the Frequently Asked Questions below first, and if questions persist, send an email to candidates@washingtonbus.org.

Many thanks, and we're glad to have you in the mix!

FAQ

Q: Will the Bus endorse me in my primary?

A: We are looking primarily towards the general election, but we will be weighing primary contests as well.

Q: What if I’m not young?

A: The Bus supports the young and the young at heart. If you as an elected official will work for the young people of Washington State, we’re here for you.

Q: Are you non-partisan?

A: Yes! Proudly non-partisan, and proudly forward-thinking.

Q: When you say statewide….

A: We mean statewide. The Bus has worked on races in Spokane, Bellingham, Port Angeles, Tacoma, Yakima, Bellevue and beyond.

Q: I just want your name on my endorsement list!

A: Sorry! Bus support means support! That means we only put our name next to candidates who we will also put boots on the ground for.