Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

📫️ OUR POSTCARD PROGRAMS

Why focus down-ballot?

We focus on down-ballot candidates for local offices such as school and library boards, town/village offices, State Houses (House and Senate) and other typically overlooked, under-valued, and under-resourced elections because this is where our postcards have the greatest impact.

Additionally, a down-ballot candidate can increase turnout for an up-ballot candidate by as much as 2.5%. In close races, this impact can be the difference.

Finally, these state and local races are critical for building the future bench of the Democratic Party.

Who provides the postcards and stamps?

Our writers provide their own postcards and postcard stamps. See links below for purchasing suggestions.

How do I get the instructions, script, and addresses?

You will download your Address Bundle, the program's required instructions, and the script from your PFD account on our portal. These materials will not be emailed to you.

 

🖥️ YOUR ACCOUNT

Why do I need to create an account?

Everyone must create an individual account. This ensures everyone taking addresses is a real person.

What if I didn't receive a confirmation email?

If you don't receive a confirmation email within a few minutes after creating your account:

 

🖊️ MATERIALS NEEDED TO GET STARTED

Below we go over what many of our members have found to be the easiest/best items to use in various categories, but to get started you will need:

Postcards

Use 4"x 6" postcards. Oversized postcards (5"x 7" and larger) require more expensive letter postage.

You may use a wide variety of postcards - create your own or buy them! Please use postcards that are inclusive, neutral, and do not depict a holiday.

Where Can I Buy Voting-themed Postcards?

Markers For Democracy offers a private MFD Vistaprint ProShop where you can buy voting-themed postcards. We receive no proceeds from the shop, we pass the discounts on to you. Orders over $50 receive free shipping.

In addition, there are many other places to order voting-themed postcards. Here are some of our favorites, which you can find on Etsy:

Postcards come in two formats, which we refer to as half-back and full-back. Pick the style that suits you best. Here's an explanation:

Diagram comparing half-back and full-back postcard formats. The half-back postcard has a blank left side for writing and a pre-printed address area on the right. The full-back postcard has the entire back blank for writing and addressing. The image has a neutral, informative tone and includes clear labels for each format.

Pens/Markers

One of the joys of handwritten postcards is the chance to get creative even if you don't think you are! Many of us add color using ultra-fine Sharpies, which are easy to use, smudge-proof, and come in many colors. Bigger markers, and colorful highlighters also help your message stand out. It's also completely fine to use a blue or black ballpoint pen!

Postage Stamps

You can purchase postcard stamps at any local post office, or by ordering postcard stamps through the USPS store. Beware of counterfeit stamp scams! The USPS never discounts stamps.

Correction Method

Everyone makes mistakes! Veteran writers use a variety of methods and techniques for correcting mistakes.

Some of our favorite products include:

Another option is cutting a small piece from a blank mailing label, and covering the mistake with that.

 

📋️ RULES FOR EVERY POSTCARD CAMPAIGN

 

🟢️ GETTING ADDRESSES

How many addresses can I get?

Our addresses are organized as “Address Bundles”. Each Address Bundle will have a unique identifying number. You may choose the number of addresses in your address bundle, up to the program limit. There is no minimum.

Each campaign or program will have an individual limit (typically 100). You may write for as many campaigns/programs as we have available. If you want to write more postcards than the program's limit (or are hosting a postcard party), email us - we can make it happen!

How do I find the addresses I have previously requested?

Log into your account and click on "Get Addresses!" (on the top horizontal menu bar) to find your latest Address Bundle.

How should I print out my addresses?

The easiest way to print out your addresses is to click the "Save As PDF" button on the Address Bundle page, then open the downloaded PDF and print from your computer.

What if I want to write postcards for more than one candidate?

Addresses are distributed per candidate or program. You can take addresses for only one candidate or program at a time. In order to get more addresses, you must close out your most recent Address Bundle by clicking on the "I WROTE this address bundle" button. This clears your account, and will allow you to get more addresses.

 

‼️ CLOSING OUT YOUR ASSIGNED ADDRESS BUNDLE

What does it mean to “close out” my assigned Address Bundle?

This is how you confirm to us you are done with this Address Bundle. Either you have written to your entire Address Bundle (hopefully!), or you need to return all, or some, of your unwritten Address Bundle to us, so we can reassign it to another volunteer.

Why do I have to close out my address bundle?

This is how we ensure all voters on the candidate's list receive a postcard. This step must be completed before you can receive additional addresses.

How do I close out a finished Address Bundle?

Go to “Get Addresses” on the PFD portal (found on the horizontal menu bar at the top of the page). There you will see your most recent Address Bundle, it will remain here until you close out your bundle. Click the “I WROTE this Address Bundle” button, and confirm “YES” when prompted.

You will now be redirected to the “Select A Campaign or Program” page where you will immediately be able to get more addresses for the same campaign or any other campaign that is available.

How do I close out an Address Bundle which I cannot write and has not been started?

If you are unable to write to any of the voters in your Address Bundle, you will need to return this Address Bundle so the addresses can be reassigned. Go to “Get Addresses” on the PFD portal (found on the horizontal menu bar at the top of the page), where you will see your most recent Address Bundle.

Click the “I CAN'T write this Address Bundle, please reassign” button, and confirm “YES” when prompted.

How do I close out an Address Bundle which has been partially completed?

If you have begun writing to the voters in your Address Bundle but can't complete the assigned address, please email us - Postcards@MarkersForDemocracy.org - before the mailing deadline, so we can reassign your unwritten addresses.

Include the following information:

 

❤️ ENCOURAGING PHRASES TO ADD TO YOUR POSTCARDS

Can I add anything extra to my postcards?

Please follow the provided script exactly, but if you still have room when you finish the required message, and want to add words of encouragement - go for it!

Here are some positive phrases used by our veteran writers, feel free to come up with your own, as well:

 

⚡️ FINDING INSPIRATION ONLINE FOR YOUR POSTCARD LAYOUTS

Can I see examples of other postcards online before I start writing?

Yes! Many people post photos of their finished postcards online, or on Social Media - always remembering to cover up the recipient's name and address before posting!

It can be helpful to check out photos of postcards other writers have written for the same candidate when you are working on your own postcard layouts - especially if the required message is long. Markers For Democracy has its own Slack online workspace where members post photos of completed postcards. You can sign up to join our Slack using this MFD Slack Request Link.

 

✅️ PROTECTING YOUR INFORMATION

What measures are in place to protect my personal data?

A limited amount of personal data is collected for reporting purposes, this information is only available to site administrators who generate reports for campaigns.

 

📨️ CONTACTING US

What if I have a suggestion on how you can make this self-service address system better?

Terrific! We'd love to hear your suggestions. Please email us at- Postcards@MarkersForDemocracy.org