Endorsement Process

Indivisible Benton County Endorsement Procedure 

The endorsement process is a great method of getting to know candidates and making an informed decision about our votes. It also advances shared goals, provides influence and access, and mobilizes our membership to engage with the process.

  • For target races, the Candidate Research Committee will research the candidates’ current positions, previous votes, and relevant experience. They will request that candidates complete a questionnaire and sign a pledge to adhere to expectations of civility.
  • The committee will provide Indivisible BC members with summaries of the candidates’ positions & backgrounds (e.g., through the website, newsletter).
  • August 12, 6 – 8:30 pm, at the Corvallis Library: Candidate forum. This replaces our regular Indivisible BC meeting for this night.
  • August 17, 6 – 8:30 pm, at the Corvallis Library: If needed, candidates who are unable to attend on Aug. 12 will have time to speak and answer questions. This will be followed by the Endorsement Meeting for Indivisible BC members:
    • Candidates are not invited to the Endorsement Meeting.
    • The Candidate Research Committee will summarize each candidate in the race, speaking for a few minutes about what sets that individual apart, followed by about five minutes of questions regarding each candidate.
    • There will be a 20-minute open discussion of the candidates. If there is a large group at the meeting, breakout groups will be formed. Moderators will help diffuse small arguments between proponents of different candidates.
  • August 17, 8:30 pm – August 24, 5 pm: Indivisible BC members vote.
    • Any group member who has attended an action or meeting or receives the newsletter is eligible to vote.
    • Voting will be done online anonymously, with instructions sent through the mailing list.
    • Those that do not use electronic methods can participate using paper ballots at the Endorsement Meeting.
    • Members will have the option of voting not to endorse any candidates.
    • The group will only endorse a candidate that receives two-thirds (66.7% or greater) majority of the votes cast.
  • August 24, after 5 pm: Candidates will be notified of the endorsement vote.
  • August 25: Endorsement Announcement to membership & press release

Indivisible BC will support our endorsed candidates in various ways. Note that these efforts will be separate from our GOTV efforts. Additionally, members are welcome to canvass or phone bank for, or otherwise support, other candidates as individual volunteers. We ask that members do not imply, suggest, or claim that they represent Indivisible Benton County when doing so.

The focus should be on positive messaging and objective comparisons (e.g., voting records or stated policy positions). We expect all group members to reject negative campaigning, against either the group’s endorsed candidate or candidates who were not endorsed. Indivisible will want to have a positive relationship with candidates for years to come, regardless of who wins this election.