Best Digital Tools for Political Campaigns

Running a political campaign today looks different than it did 10 or 15 years ago. While traditional campaign tactics like door-to-door canvassing are still important, candidates now have far more options for voter outreach. Between campaign websites, Facebook ads, and personalized digital outreach, there are more ways than ever to get your message in front of voters.

In this guide, we’ll break down how digital tools make a difference, the best tools for local candidates, and how to choose the right ones for your campaign.

How Political Campaigns Use Digital Software

Campaign software is used by political candidates, political parties, PACs, and advocacy organizations. It can serve a variety of purposes, from the beginning of a campaign all the way through election day. 

Here are some of the ways you might use digital tools while running for office:

• Developing a data-driven campaign strategy

• Building a voter-friendly campaign website

• Sending personalized texts or emails to voters

• Fundraising and processing online donations

• Coordinating in-person outreach, like canvassing or campaign events

• Managing your campaign’s social media presence

• Launching digital advertising campaigns

With the proliferation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, there are few limits on what you can accomplish with the right tools.

Why Invest in Campaign Software?

At both the local and federal levels, candidates turn to digital platforms to give their campaigns an edge over the competition. The global market for political campaign software is projected to grow from $1.45 billion in 2023 to $3.8 billion by 2032.

The benefits of using campaign software include:

• Running a more data-driven campaign. Getting access to voter data and analytics gives you insights about your race and district, which can inform your entire outreach strategy.

• Scaling your outreach efforts. When candidates take advantage of tools for SMS/MMS messaging, phone banking, or online advertising, they unlock the ability to reach more voters at once.

• Keeping your campaign organized. Instead of juggling spreadsheets and stacks of paperwork, campaign software lets you easily store voters’ contact information, outreach templates, and other data.

• Saving time. With generative AI tools and online templates, you can get your message in front of voters sooner.

• Lowering the barrier to entry. Campaign software helps first-time candidates run more effective campaigns, even without party backing.

Free software options make it even easier for local candidates to get started with modern campaign tactics.

LEARN MORE: Explore 10 ways to use free campaign tools to level up your campaign for public office.

The Best Digital Tools for Local Campaigns

Local candidates need accessible, affordable tools to win their elections. Here are some of the best options for community-level races:

GoodParty.org: Empowering Independents

GoodParty.org stands apart from traditional campaign tech for a simple reason: we empower Independent and nonpartisan candidates, not party machines. 

GoodParty.org is currently rated #1 in the political campaign software category. With dozens of five-star reviews and a full suite of free and low-cost campaign tools, GoodParty.org has empowered thousands of Independent candidates to run for office, win elections, and serve their communities.

Our campaign toolkit includes:

• A free campaign website builder

• A custom Path to Victory report, designed to help you run a data-first campaign

• Access to the full voter file for your district

• Fully-managed text messaging support

• A custom campaign plan to reach the voters you need to win

• Free templates for social media posts, press releases, and more

In 2024, 3,444 Independents empowered by GoodParty.org won their elections. The winners included candidates for mayor, city council, school board, and other local offices. In 2025, 2026, and beyond, we’re empowering more Independent victories across the United States.

LEARN MORE: Take a virtual tour of GoodParty.org’s campaign tools.

NationBuilder: Community-Focused Software

NationBuilder provides solutions for political candidates, advocacy groups, nonprofits, and brands. With tools for fundraising, volunteer management, and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts, NationBuilder can be a good investment for large-scale campaigns. While this toolset is powerful, it can be expensive or overwhelming for local campaigns.

NGP VAN: Democratic Campaign Software

NGP VAN is a widely-used suite of campaign software for Democratic candidates. Its features span fundraising and compliance reporting, phone banking, turf cutting, and more. While big names in the Democratic Party have used NGP VAN for their campaigns, the tools are also available for Democrats and progressives running at the local level.

Other Campaign Software Options

There are plenty of options for digital campaign tools, though their usefulness will depend on the particulars of your campaign. 

Are you looking for an all-around campaign management tool — or are you looking for a solution to a specific problem? Some platforms, like the ones listed above, cover many parts of running a campaign. Others only serve specific purposes, like accessing voter data or texting voters.

Software marketplaces like G2 offer an easy way to explore your options. Read user reviews and compare ratings to understand the pros and cons of each tool.

LEARN MORE: Discover more options for political campaign software.

How to Choose the Best Software for Your Campaign

Here are a few questions to ask as you make your decision:

• Does the company align with your political affiliation? Certain tools are only available for candidates of a specific party or affiliation. Some companies only work with Democrats or only work with Republicans.

• How much do the tools cost? Make sure the cost of your chosen software fits into your campaign budget. You don’t have to break the bank to get powerful tools for your campaign.

• What’s the track record? It’s helpful to explore case studies, testimonials, and user reviews before deciding to invest in digital tools.

• How easy is the software to use? Political software should make your life easier, not harder. Especially if you’re new to politics, consider skipping any options with steep learning curves.

• What kinds of community support do the tools offer? Some tools, like GoodParty.org, offer online communities to help you find answers to your questions, and get the most out of your experience.

If you’re investing in multiple digital tools, you may also want to consider how well each platform integrates with the others. 

Free Digital Tools for Local Campaigns

If you’re running for office, you need the right tools and support.

More than ever, local candidates are using campaign software to run data-driven operations and win their elections. From building your strategy to getting out the vote, effective tools go a long way toward running a successful campaign.

GoodParty.org empowers Independent and nonpartisan candidates with free and affordable campaign tools. Whether your election is years or just weeks away, we have the tools you need to compete and win your election.

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