Blog

Independent Candidates

Miami
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10 Reasons to Run for Office as an Independent in Florida

Explore the top 10 reasons to run for office as an independent candidate in Florida, a swing state that's home to a diverse range of voters and leaders.

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Generation Z
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Why Generation Z Needs Independent Candidates

Generation Z is the most diverse, well-educated, and technologically savvy generation to date, making independent candidates uniquely positioned to meet their needs.

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Email Marketing
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7 Email Marketing Tips for Independent Candidates

Email marketing is a powerful tool that empowers political candidates to convey a message, rally support, and boost their fundraising efforts more efficiently. 

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Nonpartisan ballot
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The Pros and Cons of Non-Partisan Ballots for Independents

While non-partisan ballots are meant to encourage voting for candidates based on merit, not just on party, they can have unintended consequences for independents.

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Cost to Run
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How Much Does It Cost to Run for Office?

Political campaigns tend to be expensive in the United States - but running for office has a very different price tag at each level of government.

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RFK Jr speech
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Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s Place in the Independent Movement

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s decision to run for president as an independent candidate has sparked both interest and debate about the growing independent movement.

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Building Blocks
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How to Build a Campaign Platform as an Independent

Building a campaign platform is an exciting part of launching an independent campaign for office. Browse our top tips for building a platform that resonates.

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Louisville KY
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10 Reasons to Run for Office as an Independent in Kentucky

Explore the top reasons to run for office as an independent candidate in Kentucky, a state with a diverse electorate that's ready for change from the status quo.

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Minneapolis
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10 Reasons to Run an Independent Campaign in Minnesota

Learn how and why to run for office as an independent candidate in Minnesota, a state with a strong history of electing independent and third-party leaders.

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Ben Weisner
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Case Study: Benjamin Weisner’s Journey to City Council

Benjamin Weisner, a city council member in Auburn, Maine and Good Party certified leader, shares insight from his two independent campaigns and 2023 victory.

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Clipboard
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10 Strategies for Effective Signature Gathering

Ready to get on the ballot? Explore ten effective strategies for gathering voter signatures and meeting the ballot requirements for independent candidates.

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Honolulu
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10 Reasons to Run as an Independent in Hawaii’s 2024 Elections

Learn how to run for office as an independent in Hawaii, a state with a unique political landscape and where 45.44% voters identify as independent.

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San Diego
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How California’s Voter Guide Calls for Federal Action on Independent Naming Conventions

Hilaire “FUJI” Shioura, an independent candidate running for office in California's 51st Congressional District, highlights the need for action on voter guide conventions.

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Madison Capitol
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10 Reasons to Run as an Independent Candidate in Wisconsin

Learn why and how to run for office as an independent in Wisconsin, a state with a rich political history and a large percentage of independent voters.

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Maine
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10 Reasons to Run for Office as an Independent in Maine

With a strong independent streak and higher voter turnout than any other state, learn why Maine is the perfect setting to launch an independent campaign in 2024.

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American Flag
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10 Reasons to Vote Independent in 2024

Discover the top 10 reasons to consider voting for independent candidates in the upcoming 2024 elections, especially at the local and state levels.

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Juneau, Alaska
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10 Reasons to Run for Office as an Independent in Alaska

Ranking first in the nation for its percentage of independent voters, Alaska is the perfect setting to launch an independent or nonpartisan campaign in 2024.

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Campaign Finance
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How to Navigate Campaign Finance Laws as an Independent

Successfully navigating campaign finance laws as an independent candidate requires a thorough understanding of the legal requirements and regulations.

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Marty Grohman
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Case Study: Marty Grohman’s Independent Win in Biddeford, Maine

Independent candidate Marty Grohman was elected as Biddeford, Maine's newest mayor in November 2023. Now, Grohman is serving his community and sharing his insight.

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Terry Crandall
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Inside Terry Crandall’s Independent Campaign for U.S. House

An independent and Good Party certified candidate, Terry Crandall is one of 10 candidates running for office to represent California’s 47th Congressional District.

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Political PR
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PR Strategies for Independent Political Campaigns

Public relations are an essential part of an effective campaign strategy for independent candidates, helping to increase campaign visibility and engage voters.

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2024
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How Presidential Election Years Impact Down-Ballot Candidates

The American electoral landscape is characterized by a rhythm of off-cycle and on-cycle elections, each playing a distinct role in shaping political outcomes.

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Waiting in Line
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Why Voter Turnout Matters in Local Elections

Each election cycle, local elections across the United States are determined by a slim majority. Learn more about the importance of each vote at the local level.

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Tracking stats
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Campaign Tracker: Measuring Campaign Success for Independent Candidates

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of political campaigning, the ability to track and measure success isn't just advantageous - it's essential.

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Pasadena, CA Town Hall
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How to Run for Town Commissioner in 2024

Learn how to launch a campaign for town commissioner in 2024. This local elected office provides opportunities to meaningfully impact and support your community.

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Door to Door Canvassing
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Custom Canvassing Scripts for Political Campaigns

Learn how personalized canvassing scripts can make door-to-door canvassing more efficient for your campaign team and more effective at connecting with voters.

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On Social Media
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The 5 Best Social Media Platforms for Independent Candidates

These social media platforms have the potential to elevate independent candidates' political campaigns in 2024, letting them authentically connect with voters.

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Billings, Montana
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Election 2024: 10 Reasons to Run for Office as an Independent in Montana

With an independent-minded electorate and support for electoral reform, Montana is a great state to launch a local, independent political campaign in 2024.

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Seattle
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Election 2024: 10 Reasons to Launch an Independent Campaign in Washington

Washington State has seen a growing interest in independent candidates, making it a great place to launch an independent or nonpartisan campaign in 2024.

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christina-wocintechchat-com-uSL0rdRY-Uw-unsplash
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How AI Is Impacting Politics

From candidates generating campaign slogans with AI to going all out with tools like the AI Campaign Manager, AI is impacting politics at all levels of government.

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South Dakota
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10 Reasons to Launch an Independent Campaign in South Dakota in 2024

With 87,976 independent voters and counting, South Dakota offers fertile ground for independent candidates looking to launch political campaigns in 2024.

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Oklahoma City
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10 Reasons to Start an Independent Campaign in Oklahoma in 2024

Oklahoma presents a unique political landscape for independent candidates who are considering running for office in 2024.

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Communication
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How to Communicate Policy as an Independent Candidate

On the campaign trail, independents have a range of opportunities to inform their constituents about where they stand on issues and what solutions they offer.

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10 Ways to Engage Voters
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10 Ways Independent Candidates Can Engage with Voters

Explore 10 ways independent and nonpartisan candidates can get the most out of their voter engagement strategy, from door-to-door canvassing to campaign materials.

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Phoenix AZ
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Election 2024: 7 Reasons to Start an Independent Political Campaign in Arizona

With over a third of registered voters identifying as independent, Arizona presents an incredible opportunity for independent and nonpartisan candidates in 2024.

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AI Consultant
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The Ultimate Political Consultant for Independent Candidates

Explore the most cost-effective option for independent and nonpartisan candidates in need of an experienced and adaptable political consultant.

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American Flag
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Guest Post: The Undeniable Influence of Third Parties on American Politics

From the Bull Moose Party of the early twentieth century to the Libertarian Party of today, third parties have had a significant impact on American politics.

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Charlotte NC
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Election 2024: 9 Reasons to Start an Independent Campaign in North Carolina

With changing voter demographics and critical issues facing the state, North Carolina presents an ideal setting for independent candidates to emerge in 2024.

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Columbus OH
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Election 2024: 7 Reasons to Launch an Independent Campaign in Ohio

Known for its varied political landscape and evolving voter concerns, Ohio is a promising state for independent candidates to launch campaigns in 2024.

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Microphone
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Media Planning Strategies for Local Political Candidates

Media training is a comprehensive process that equips political candidates with the skills needed to communicate effectively with the media and the public.

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Elizabeth Melson
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Reflecting on Elizabeth Melson’s Independent Run for State Senate

Independent and Good Party certified candidate Elizabeth Melson ran for Virginia's State Senate to represent District 28, facing off against a partisan incumbent.

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grassroots
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8 Techniques for Running a Grassroots Political Campaign

Grassroots campaigns are often built from the ground up, relying on community support and engagement rather than large-scale funding or media exposure. 

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Campaign planning 2
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Political Campaign Planning for First-Time Candidates

Explore insights and practical tips designed to help you lay the foundation for a successful political journey, whether you're running at the local or state-wide level.

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Relational Organizing
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How to Employ Relational Organizing in Political Campaigns

Relational organizing leverages the power of personal connection and meaningful relationship-building to increase the influence of volunteer-driven campaigns.

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Victoria Masika
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Reflecting on Victoria Masika’s Independent Bid for Town Commissioner

After running for town commissioner in Hillsborough, North Carolina, Victoria Masika shares why it's so important for voters to have independent options in elections.

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Barbara NC
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Looking Back: Barbara Gaskins’ Independent Campaign in NC

Coming off of an independent campaign for mayor, Barbara Gaskins shares some of the insights she gained on the campaign trail and the passion that keeps her going.

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Building a Website
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How to Build a Strong Website for Your Political Campaign

Building an effective campaign website lets voters learn about your campaign and policy positions, sign up to volunteer, donate, and find out key voting information.

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Ralph Nader
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What is the “Spoiler Effect,” Really?

The spoiler effect is rooted in the mechanics of first-past-the-post voting, a system where the candidate with the most votes wins with or without an absolute majority.

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Jattan-Singh
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Lessons Learned from an Independent Campaign in Worcester, MA

Feanna Jattan-Singh ran an independent campaign to represent District 3 on Worcester, Massachusett's city council, challenging the incumbent city council member.

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Going Through the Door
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How to Get on the Ballot as an Independent in 2024

Ballot access qualifications can vary between states and offices, ranging from minimum age requirements to the number of signatures needed to qualify.

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20 Reasons Flag
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20 Reasons to Run for Office as an Independent in 2024

From local positions to state and federal offices, independents are taking matters into their own hands to create a political system that works for all Americans.

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Handshake Painting
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5 Ways Independent Candidates Contribute to Bipartisanship

Unlike the brand of extreme partisanship we’re experiencing now, bipartisanship leads to more inclusive policies that reflect a broader range of perspectives.

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Flag Flying
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What Is the Democracy Reform Movement?

By pushing for democracy reform legislation, we can change the way our government interacts with citizens to bring about true change for future generations.

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Talking Policy
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Talking Policy Without Putting Your Audience to Sleep

Talking about policy is paramount to ensuring an informed electorate. However, policy conversations don't always have to be dull or overly technical. 

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Marty Grohman
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10 Good Party Certified Candidates Won in Nov. 7 Elections

In the November 7, 2023 off-year elections, 10 Good Party certified candidates won local elections in North Carolina, Maine, Virginia, and Washington.

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Magnifying Glass
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Opposition Research: A Guide for Political Campaigns

Conducting ethical opposition research can give political candidates a strategic advantage, while also increasing transparency and accountability in the political process.

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Campaign Team
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How to Build a Lean Political Campaign Team

Gathering a dedicated campaign team and effective campaign resources is a critical step toward launching a political campaign, even if you're on a tight budget.

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Planet Over Profit
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Libertarian vs. Green: Differences in Political Parties

The Libertarian and Green parties are two of most well-known third parties in the United States, each with their own unique political philosophy and platform.

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Statue of Liberty
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Libertarian vs. Democrat: Diverging Political Philosophies

The Libertarian and Democratic parties have both made important contributions to the nation's unfolding political story, though their philosophies and stances differ.

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Gerrymandering Map
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Navigating the Labyrinth: Independents and Gerrymandering

From Maryland to Wisconsin, gerrymandering hurts voters across the nation and raises obstacles for independents seeking to run in gerrymandered districts.

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Joe Manchin
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10 Strategies for Navigating the Incumbent Advantage

The U.S. Congress has a 96% rate of reelection for incumbents, creating steep barriers for independent challengers despite Congress' low approval ratings.

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Freddie-OConnell-23-1
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5 Independent Candidates Who Ran for Mayor and Won

Independent candidates have run in mayoral races and won elections across the country, from Nashville, Tennessee to Honolulu, Hawaii.

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Frame 17
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Good Party Academy: What to Expect

Good Party Academy is a free online course designed to help you learn what it takes to run a successful local political campaign, led by expert political strategists.

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Palm Tree CA
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6 Reasons to Run for Office as an Independent in California

Considering a run for office in California? Here are 6 great reasons to run an independent campaign and represent your community outside of partisan politics.

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Fayetteville
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6 Reasons to Run for Office as an Independent in Arkansas

Considering a run for office in Arkansas? Here are 6 great reasons why you should run as an independent candidate and make a difference in your community.

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Graph Election
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7 Ways Independents Impact Elections — Even if They Don't Win

How do independent political candidates impact elections, even without winning? As the number of independents rises, explore their vast influence in politics.

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Coalition Building
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Coalition Building 101: Effective Strategies for Independent Candidates

Building coalitions and collaborating across organizations can give independent candidates unique opportunities, both while running a campaign and once in office.

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Overcoming Tribalism
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10 Ways Independents Can Break Through Political Tribalism

What is political tribalism, and what are the main problems it causes? Learn how independent candidates can overcome political tribalism to make real progress.

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Phone and Newspaper
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10 Signs of Media Bias Against Independent Candidates (and How to Overcome Them)

Media bias keeps independent and third-party candidates from receiving the same media attention as partisan candidates. Here's how to overcome these obstacles.

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Overcoming Obstacles
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Overcoming Electoral Barriers: Actionable Strategies for Independent and Third-Party Candidates

Discover the main electoral barriers for independent candidates in local, state, and national elections, plus strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

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Frame 5
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How Good Party’s AI Campaign Manager Works

Learn how Good Party's AI Campaign Manager uses artificial intelligence to support independent and third-party candidates at every stage of their campaigns.

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Citizens United
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The Implications of Citizens United for Independent Candidates

The 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United has had an immense impact on politics and elections. Learn the implications of this case for independent candidates.

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Abstract Stars and Stripes
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How Understanding the Two-Party System Informs Strategies for Independent Political Campaigns

Understanding the history of the two-party system can help independent and third-party candidates overcome barriers and find their place in U.S. politics.

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Top 10
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Top 10 Ways to Use Good Party’s AI Campaign Manager

From developing your campaign strategy to writing launch video scripts, Good Party’s AI Campaign Manager has many useful applications for non-partisan candidates.

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Front Doors
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5 Essential Strategies for Effective Door-to-Door Canvassing

Explore five key strategies for effective door-to-door canvassing, from crafting compelling campaign messages to using data to refine your canvassing strategy.

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Richmond Virginia
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How to Run for Office as an Independent in Virginia

Our guide lays out the key steps to launching an independent or non-partisan campaign in Virginia, with free resources for local candidates.

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Seattle WA
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How to Run for Office as an Independent in Washington State

Our guide covers the key steps to launching an effective campaign as an independent or third-party candidate in the state of Washington.

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Crowdfunding
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Crowdfunding for Political Campaigns: Building Strong Grassroots Support

Discover how political candidates can harness the potential of crowdfunding to build grassroots support, engage with voters, and fuel their campaigns for success.

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Carlos R
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Good Party Academy Grad Spotlight: Carlos Rousselin

Meet Carlos Rousselin, a Good Party Academy graduate and pharmaceutical scientist who ran for city council in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Political Digital Marketing
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Political Digital Marketing: The Ultimate Guide to Success

Let's take a closer look at just how the digital age is affecting political campaigns and how you can achieve campaign success with digital marketing tactics.

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Door to Door Canvassing
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Door-to-Door Canvassing: Techniques for Independent Candidates

Discover effective door-to-door canvassing techniques tailored for independent candidates. Learn how to engage voters personally and build strong connections in your campaign efforts.

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Kieryn McCann
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Volunteer Spotlight: Kieryn McCann, Remote Volunteer and Local Candidate

Good Party's volunteers helped lead candidate Terry Vo to victory in Nashville. We're spotlighting one especially dedicated volunteer, Kieryn McCann, who is also running as a candidate in McPherson, Kansas.

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Terry Vo
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Case Study: Good Party Helps Power Terry Vo to City Council Win

Learn how Terry Vo became the first Good Party Certified candidate to win her election with the help of Good Party's free tools and grassroots volunteers.

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College Candidate
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Can I Run for Office While I’m Still a Student?

Can you run for office while you're still in high school or college? Plenty of leaders have done it before, and with the right strategies and support, you can effectively run for political office while you're still a student.

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Green Party Beliefs
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The Green Party's Beliefs

The political ideology of Green politics is rooted in community engagement, political activism, progressive politics, and environmental justice,

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How Do Independent Candidates Get on the Ballot
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How Do Independent Candidates Get on the Ballot?

This article explores the steps, requirements, and challenges independent candidates face in their journey to run for public office independently. Gain insights into the path toward ballot access for those seeking political representation beyond party affiliations.

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nvillemetro
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Meet The Independent Candidates Running For Nashville’s Metro Council

Elections for Nashville's Metro Council are just around the corner. Get to know your independent candidates.

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Green Party
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The Green Party's Impact on Politics

The Green Party has been at the forefront of political reform, inspiring political participation and providing an alternative voice grounded in its core beliefs.

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Patriotic Flag
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Libertarianism vs. Republicanism: Contrasting Paths of Political Thought

Libertarianism and Republicanism share a focus on limited government and free markets but differ on social issues and foreign policy. Both political philosophies have helped to shape the current U.S. political landscape.

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Cornel West
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All The Declared Independent & Third Party Candidates For President In 2024

We all know Biden and Trump are running for president in 2024 again. Here are all of the declared independent and third party candidates running for the White House.

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Leo meme
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Guest Post: Why Independent Means More Than Just Moderate or Centrist

Independent is not a monolithic word. It doesn't mean moderate or centrist, there are conservative and leftist independents too!

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Breaking the Two-Party Duopoly
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Breaking the Two-Party Duopoly: Empowering Political Reform and Expanding Voter Choice

Breaking the two-party duopoly is crucial for expanding voter choice, enhancing voter representation and alternative political options, and fostering political innovation.

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Independent Candidates Nashville
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Tips and Tricks for Running as an Independent Candidate in Nashville

Within this blog post, you'll find a treasure trove of knowledge, guiding and empowering individuals dreaming of launching a political campaign in Nashville.

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Why Vote Third Party
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Why Vote Third Party?

In a political landscape dominated by two major parties, many people often overlook the choice to vote for a third party. However, third-party voting offers a valuable opportunity to challenge the status quo and bring fresh perspectives.

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How Running as an Independent in Tennessee Offers Unique Opportunities
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How Running as an Independent in Tennessee Offers Unique Opportunities

Tennessee's political issues have been vibrant and have left an indelible mark on its present-day landscape. Running as an independent candidate provides a distinct avenue to challenge the partisan status quo and elevate new perspectives.

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Overcoming Apathy: Why Voting for Independent Candidates Can Make a Difference
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Overcoming Apathy: Why Voting for Independent Candidates Can Make a Difference

Today’s article explores the roles of political parties and the significance of independent candidates and why voting for them can substantially change the political sphere.

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How to Craft a Compelling Message for Your Independent Campaign
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How to Craft a Compelling Message for Your Independent Campaign: Strategies and Tips

An effective campaign message requires a well-defined set of core values and a crystal-clear vision. A political party or candidate's ideals and vision outline the organization's guiding principles and long-term objectives.

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5 Essential Tips for Independent Candidates Running for Office: A Guide to Winning Elections
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5 Essential Tips for Independent Candidates Running for Office: A Guide to Winning Elections

"5 Essential Tips for Independent Candidates Running for Office" is a comprehensive guide that provides independent candidates with valuable insights and strategies to help them win elections.

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The Political Campaign Checklist: Essential Steps to Running for Office
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The Political Campaign Checklist: Essential Steps to Running for Office

This article outlines essential steps to running for political office, including creating a campaign checklist, developing a strong campaign strategy, and using campaign management software.

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Bald Eagle
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Libertarian Presidential Candidates: Their Impact and Influence

Explore the principles and history of Libertarianism, plus the list of recent Libertarian presidential candidates and their impact on the political landscape.

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Not a wasted vote
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Why Voting for Independent Candidates Isn't a Wasted Vote

Independent and third-party candidates have often been perceived as having no chance of winning elections. In reality, they are far from being a wasted vote.

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fundraising as an independent
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How To Raise Funds As An Independent

Read our guide on how to raise funds as an independent. One of the biggest barriers for independent candidates running for office in the United States is the lack of access to the same level of resources and support as major party candidates.

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politics website hero image
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Campaign Management And Consulting Services For Independent Political Candidates

The world of politics is constantly changing, and with that change comes the rise of independent political candidates. These contenders are not affiliated with any major political party and are often considered outsiders challenging the status quo.

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Independent politicians
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What Are Independent Politicians or Political Independents?

Learn what it means to be an independent voter, candidate, or politician in today's political landscape. What sets independents apart from other political affiliations?

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Durham
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Why you should run for office as an independent in Durham in 2023

Learn why you should run for office as an independent candidate in Durham in 2023. With four open seats, including the mayor,, now is a great time to get involved in local government. Good Party provides free resources and support for independent candidates.

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Bernie oil
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10 Successful Independent Campaigns in History

Learn about 10 successful independent campaigns in American history, including Jesse Ventura, Angus King, and Lincoln Chafee. Discover how these candidates' unique campaign styles, platforms, and leadership impacted their success and changed the political landscape of the United States.

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Founding fathers as a jackson pollock
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20 reasons why you should run for office as an independent in 2023

20 reasons why you should consider running for office as an independent candidate in 2023. Learn the benefits of not being beholden to any party or establishment and being able to speak to issues that voters care about without compromising your principles.

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Independent Woman
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How To Run For Office As An Independent In 2023

An overview of the process of running for office as an independent candidate in the United States. Learn how to decide what to run for, how to file with the appropriate board, and the importance of following procedures closely to avoid losing by technicality.

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anne screenshot
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12 Free Tools for Independent Candidates for Office

Independent candidates are underfunded, under resourced, and understaffed. This makes it difficult for them to compete against the two major parties that have seemingly unlimited funds in comparison. There’s good news though… there are tons of free tools for you to run an efficient campaign.

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