Democratic Executive
Committee Manual
Florida is a diverse state with large and small counties, urban and rural counties, predominantly Democratic counties, and counties where Democrats are heavily outnumbered. No set of standardized practices can be uniformly applied to such a diverse network.
However, Democratic Executive Committees (DECs) in all counties do have common duties and responsibilities as established by Florida Statute, as well as common expectations as established by the Florida Democratic Party (FDP), and each county is a critical part of the state's success.
This manual addresses common duties and expectations and promotes best practices found in some of Florida's most successful DECs. It addresses requirements established by Florida law and by FDP bylaws, as well as operating rules vital to the FDP's continuity and efficiency.
DECs are a crucial part of a statewide party infrastructure that often needs to act with speed, consistency, and uniformity to achieve the goal of electing Federal, State, and local Democrats throughout Florida.
A large group of invigorated, well-trained grassroots Democrats is one of Florida's very best resources. We recommend this handbook be widely dispersed among all DEC members so everyone can be kept well informed about the DEC's job and how it fits into the larger picture.
Five Important Principles of the DECs
Within the context of the DEC, none of us is more important than our common objective.
Maintain a culture of mutual respect, keeping personal bickering to an absolute minimum.
Smart, creative ideas are the key to success.
We will have high expectations of each other, understanding that everyone is fallible.
Everything we do — meetings, voting, documentation, finances — will be open to all members.
As Tip O'Neill said, "All politics is local." Our activism starts in town halls and community centers, and our energy comes from a multitude of diverse interests and opinions. Our grassroots nature calls for a wide array of committees, clubs, and caucuses.
What is a DEC?
A DEC is an official county arm of the FDP. The DEC shall have oversight of all Democratic Party activities within the county. It shall carry out all directives granted to it by the FDP and by Florida statutes.
As part of this effort, the DEC shall:
- Effectively support the election of Democrats
- Create an organizational 5–10 year strategic plan, updating every 2 years
- Create an election plan for every election cycle and modify as needed
- Advance the visibility and viability of the Democratic Party within the county
- Register Voters in Democrat-leaning areas regularly
- Increase the number of Vote-by-Mail requests for Democrats and like-minded voters
- Ensure Democratic Party values and initiatives are effectively advanced within the county
- Engage as much as possible in local county affairs of interest to county Democrats
- Communicate with the public regarding elections and Democratic candidates
Mandatory DEC Activities
Several activities are required of a county DEC to ensure every effort is made to win elections at all levels:
- Recruit, train, and retain volunteers including Precinct/District Committeepersons by creating a welcoming, energizing space
- Register Voters
- Encourage Vote-by-Mail enrollment
- Fundraise for DEC operations, campaign initiatives, local candidates, and GOTV efforts
- Turnout of the Democratic base in all elections held within the county
- Utilize all voter outreach tools, including VAN, phone banking, texting, postcarding, emailing, and social media
- Recruit candidates
- Establish a voter protection team to ensure elections are run fairly
- Ensure compliance with State Statutes and FDP/DEC bylaws
Types of DEC Membership
Defined by Florida Statutes, Chapter 103.091 and FDP Bylaws, Article V, Section 1:
Precinct Systems
Standard Precinct System
The default setup: elected DEC membership is organized by precinct, with one man and one woman elected from each precinct. As precinct Democratic registration grows, the bylaws add capacity — each precinct earns an additional man and woman for every additional 1,000 registered Democrats.
Optional Precinct System
In counties with fewer than 200 precincts, bylaws allow an "optional" precinct approach that still keeps representation rooted in precincts, but gives the county flexibility to add members to cover precincts that exceed 1,000 registered voters.
District System
In counties with more than 100 precincts, a DEC can choose — by majority vote taken before December 31 in the year before a presidential-election year — to elect members by "election districts" instead of individual precincts. One man and one woman per district, with additional seats added as the district's Democratic registration exceeds 1,000.
Organization of the Florida Democratic Party
Organization of a Democratic Executive Committee (DEC)
Organization of the Florida Democratic Party Committees
DEC Members
Every DEC member should be actively engaged in party activities by:
- Supporting their precinct/district plans and county campaign plans
- Playing an active role in Get Out The Vote (GOTV), Early Voting, and Vote-by-Mail programs
- Attending all DEC meetings in person or by proxy
- Assisting in filling vacancies in precinct/district committee offices
- Facilitating the distribution of all Democratic campaign literature
- Assisting in fundraising activities of the DEC
- Taking and abiding by the Party loyalty oath
- Serving on one of the DEC standing committees
- Participating in Election Day activities such as providing rides to the polls, poll watching, canvassing, and phone banking
The leader and presiding officer of the official county arm of the FDP. Responsible for supporting the election of Democrats at all levels, executing FDP policies, and maintaining operational, legal, and bylaw compliance. Acts as the official spokesperson for the Democratic Party within the county.
📄 Full Duties of DEC Chair →An elected officer and member of the Steering Committee. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair assumes their duties. Serves as an ex-officio member of all committees.
Keeper of records. Key responsibilities include:
- Take, record, and present minutes at all DEC meetings
- Forward minutes to Party Affairs within 20 days of approval
- Send notice of a general meeting at least 10 days prior
- Send membership list changes to Party Affairs and SOE within 10 days
- Serve on credentials/membership committee
Chief financial officer for the local party. Key responsibilities include:
- Deposit all DEC funds in designated bank(s)
- Keep accurate records of all receipts and expenditures
- Provide an accounting at each DEC meeting
- File all required reports with the Supervisor of Elections (SOE)
- Arrange an annual financial audit and file with FDP and SOE by April 1
Facilitate communication between the state and local party; take issues from the DEC to the FDP; report FDP business to the DEC; keep DEC informed of all changes in the Charter and Bylaws; and attend all State Executive Committee meetings.
DECs meet regularly throughout the year to discuss responsibilities, challenges, and issues facing Democrats at all levels. While a quarterly meeting is sufficient for FDP minimum requirements, best practice is a regular monthly meeting, ideally held on a consistent date and in a consistent, accessible space.
Methods to Call a Meeting
Call by the Chair
DEC Chairs may call General meetings with at least 10 days' written notice. Special meetings require at least 5 days' written notice, and the notice must clearly state the purpose.
Call by Petition
If a DEC Chair receives a written petition signed by at least 30% of total membership (excluding Automatic members), the Chair must schedule a Special meeting within 20 days, with at least 14 days' written notice to all members.
Failure-to-Call (Reorganization)
If the State Chair determines the DEC has failed to hold a meeting with quorum for six consecutive months, the State Chair may direct Congressional District Chair(s)/Vice Chair(s) to convene a reorganization meeting with at least 14 days' notice.
Establishing a Quorum
Per FDP Bylaws (Article I, Section 1.3.6), DEC general meetings have a quorum if 25% of the membership is present, excluding automatic members. Before the meeting is called to order, the chair should confirm quorum with the secretary or credentials committee.
Sample Meeting Agenda
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call / Declaration of Quorum
- Approval of Agenda
- Approval of Minutes
- Officers Report (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and/or State Committee)
- Old Business
- New Business
- Announcements
- Adjournment
Voting at Meetings
Voting shall be one (1) vote for each member. Per Article I, Section 4.1.1 of the FDP Charter, no vote shall be taken by secret ballot.
Proxies
Any member unable to attend may execute a written proxy and provide it to a DEC officer prior to the meeting. Incomplete proxies shall be returned to the member. The proxy holder shall be either another DEC member or a qualified Democrat who resides in the same precinct/district. No person shall hold more than one (1) proxy.
Robert's Rules of Order is recognized as the basis for procedures that are not otherwise specified in the Party's governing documents. These parliamentary procedures were developed to ensure that meetings are fair, efficient, democratic, and orderly.
Quick Reference Chart
● = Yes ○ = No
| Action | What to Say | Interrupt Speaker? | Need a Second? | Can be Debated? | Can be Amended? | Votes Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduce main motion | "I move to..." | ○ | ● | ● | ● | Majority |
| Amend a motion | "I move to amend the motion by..." | ○ | ● | ● | ● | Majority |
| Refer to committee | "I move that we refer the matter to committee." | ○ | ● | ● | ○ | Majority |
| Postpone to a certain time | "I move to postpone the matter until..." | ○ | ● | ● | ○ | Majority |
| End debate | "I move the previous question." or "I move to close debate." | ○ | ● | ○ | ○ | 2/3 |
| Object to procedure | "Point of order." | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | Chair's decision |
| Recess the meeting | "I move that we recess until..." | ○ | ● | ○ | ● | Majority |
| Adjourn the meeting | "I move to adjourn the meeting." | ○ | ● | ○ | ○ | Majority |
| Request information | "Point of information." | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | No vote |
| Appeal the chair's ruling | "I move to [overrule/appeal] the chair's ruling." | ● | ● | ● | ○ | Majority |
| Extend or limit debate time | "I move to [extend/limit] the time [by/to] ____ minutes." | ○ | ● | ○ | ● | 2/3 |
| Point out incorrect procedure | "Point of order." | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | No vote |
| Table a motion | "I move to table..." | ○ | ● | ○ | ○ | Majority |
| Verify voice vote with count | "I call for a division." | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | No vote |
| Take up a tabled item | "I move to take from the table..." | ○ | ● | ○ | ○ | Majority |
| *Reconsider a prior action | "I move to reconsider our action to..." | ● | ● | ● | ○ | Majority |
| Consider out of scheduled order | "I move to suspend the rules and consider..." (Bylaws cannot be suspended) | ○ | ● | ○ | ○ | 2/3 |
| Personal privilege | "Point of privilege." | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | No vote |
Every Motion Has Six Steps
- Motion: A member is recognized by the chair and makes a clearly worded motion to take an action or a position.
- Second: Another member seconds the motion in order for it to be considered.
- Restate Motion: The chair restates the motion to provide clarity for all members.
- Debate: The maker starts discussion and members debate. Amendments may be offered (return to Step 1).
- Vote: Debate is closed; chair restates the motion then asks for affirmative votes, then negative votes.
- Result: Chair announces the result of the vote.
Tips and Reminders for Chairs
The chair makes the difference at meetings. If the chair is an effective leader — focusing on the members, treating each fairly, earning everyone's trust — then the meeting will be successful.
- Provide a meeting agenda before the meeting and follow it to keep things on track
- Recognize members who ask to speak in the order they raise their hands, if possible
- Let all members speak once before allowing a member to speak a second time
- If discussions get off track, guide the group back to the motion or the agenda
- Be courteous and respectful and insist that others do the same
- Use Robert's Rules to facilitate discussion, not to control the outcome of motions
- Give each speaker your undivided attention and read the room
- If possible, strive for consensus on decisions and actions
Steering Committee
A Steering Committee supervises, administers, and carries out business between meetings of the DEC. The committee may take actions on behalf of the party only to the extent those actions are not inconsistent with applicable law, the FDP Charter and Bylaws, and the county DEC's bylaws. Decisions made by the Steering Committee should be ratified by the DEC at the next meeting.
The Steering Committee usually consists of the DEC officers, must include at least two State committee persons of different genders, and may include other members such as Sergeant at Arms, Parliamentarian, District leaders, Club and/or caucus presidents, Committee chairs, and Chair appointments.
County Clubs
Per FDP Bylaws Article VI Section 2, the charter of a Democratic club shall be entirely within the jurisdiction of the county Democratic Executive Committee where the majority of the membership resides. A county DEC shall not be authorized to establish a maximum number of Democratic clubs for the county.
County Caucuses
Local caucus chapters are chartered by State Caucuses. State Caucuses are under the jurisdiction of the FDP. For more information on chartering or running a county Democratic caucus, contact the appropriate State Caucus.
Democratic County Chairs Association (DCCA)
An independent organization created by the FDP to further the development of county DECs. Membership is composed of DEC Chairs and Vice Chairs (voting privileges reserved for dues-paying members). The DCCA promotes communication and exchange of ideas among chairs and vice chairs, and assists in furthering FDP objectives at the local, county, state, and national levels.
Small County Coalition (SCC)
A dependent organization created by the FDP for DECs in counties with fewer than 40,000 registered Democrats. Voting privileges are reserved for the Chairs, Vice Chairs, and State Committee Members of dues-paying counties. The SCC serves as the voice of all small counties to the FDP and holds monthly virtual meetings providing training, support, and encouragement.
Statutes and Bylaws Governing DECs
The Florida Statutes and FDP Charter & Bylaws govern all DEC activities. Key statutory references include Florida Statute 103.091 governing membership structure, and FDP Charter Articles I and V governing meeting rules, quorum, proxies, and officer duties.
Meeting compliance requirements involves more than understanding the rules; it means providing documentation to prove your County Party is operating transparently, legally, and ethically. Well-run organizations take compliance seriously because it signals to members, donors, and voters that the organization has integrity and can be trusted.
Record Keeping
Documentation of DEC votes, actions taken, financial reports, membership lists, bylaws, and correspondence must be documented. It is recommended that all records be kept for at least 3 years, preferably in cloud/digital storage.
All ballots from elections must be kept for a minimum of 6 months and are reviewable by a DEC member upon written request. Inspection must be supervised by two DEC officers, then resealed. Both officers must sign, date, and note the time opened and resealed.
Part 1: Annual / First Quarter Compliance
| Due Date | Activity | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 31 | Complete & updated DEC membership list with demographic data and Party Leader Template | FDP Bylaws Art. V, Sec. 5.3 |
| Jan 31 | Most recent set of bylaws reflecting any new FDP bylaw changes | FDP Charter Art. V, Sec. 5; Art. VIII, Sec. 3; FDP Bylaws Art. VIII, Sec. 1 |
| Jan 31 | Remit 20% of clubs' annual Party contribution to FDP | FDP Bylaws Art. VI, Sec. 2.5 |
| Apr 1 | Submit a Diversity and Inclusion plan to the FDP | FDP Charter Art. II, Sec. 2.1.4; FDP Bylaws Art. V, Sec. 5.2 |
| Apr 1 | Audit of DEC income and expenses filed with SOE and FDP | FLA STAT. Sec. 103.121(2); FDP Charter Art. V, Sec. 6 |
Part 2: Ongoing Compliance
| Due Date | Activity | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| 10 days of any change |
Provide membership updates to FDP and SOE | FLA STAT. Sec. 103.091(3); FDP Bylaws Art. V, Sec. 5.3 |
| 20 days after meeting |
Approved meeting minutes sent to FDP | FDP Bylaws Art. V, Sec. 5.4 |
| 30 days of adoption |
Submit copy of bylaws and any amendments to FDP and Rules Committee Chair | FDP Charter Art. V, Sec. 5; Art. VIII, Sec. 3 |
| 10th day after each quarter |
File reports of all contributions received and expenditures made with SOE | FLA STAT. Sec. 106.29 |
Part 3: Election Year Compliance
| Due Date | Activity | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 1 (certifying year) |
Non-Endorsement Statement — signed statement sent to FDP and County SOE regarding the DEC's intention to endorse or not endorse candidates in a Primary. Required to qualify for the DEC portion of any applicable candidate assessment and filing fees. | FLA STAT. 103.121(4)(5); FDP Bylaws Art. V, Sec. 3; FDP Bylaws Art. 7, Sec. 7 |
| First day of qualifying (Second Monday of June) |
Independent Expenditure Statement — notarized letter sent via certified mail to the Secretary of State affirming the DEC has not made, and will not make, an independent expenditure in support of or opposition to any candidate through and including the upcoming general election. | FLA. STAT. Sec. 106.087(1)(a) |
| Upon receipt of assessment fees |
Campaign Plan (Election Budget) — a DEC receiving Party assessment fees shall submit a campaign/election budget plan detailing the expenditure of those fees to the FDP and the Budget and Finance Committee for approval. | FDP Charter Art. V, Sec. 6; FDP Bylaws Art. V, Sec. 6 |
Annual Club Party Contributions
In January of each year, each Democratic club chartered under the rules of the FDP shall pay an annual contribution based on membership as of December 31 of the preceding year:
| Membership | Annual Contribution |
|---|---|
| 0–50 members | $25 |
| 51–100 members | $50 |
| 101–300 members | $75 |
| 301–500 members | $100 |
| 501–750 members | $150 |
| 751–1,000 members | $250 |
| Over 1,000 members | $500 |
80% of the contribution remains with the county DEC; 20% is remitted to the FDP by the county DEC no later than April 1.
Regulatory citation: FDP Bylaws Article VI, Sec. 2.5
In-Kind Contributions
An in-kind contribution is defined under Florida Statutes §106.011(3)(a) as a non-monetary gift of goods or services that has an attributable monetary value and is made to influence an election. There is no contribution limit on in-kind contributions to a State or County political party.
Examples
- Professional services (polling, printing)
- Office supplies, furniture, printers, paper
- Rent of office space, postcards, stamps
- Food, beverages, accommodations
- Use of private aircraft or discounted campaign materials
Key Rules
- Must be reported at fair market value
- Must be itemized in the Treasurer's SOE report regardless of size
- Must provide a direct benefit to the political party
- Must be accepted before the contribution is made
$50 Cash Rule
The DEC may accept cash donations from an individual in the aggregate of $50 per election. A cashier's check is treated the same as cash. Personal checks from a checking account are not considered "cash" under this rule.
$500 Threshold Rule (Clubs)
Under Florida Statutes §106.03, any group that receives contributions or makes expenditures over $500 in a calendar year for the purpose of influencing an election must register as a Political Committee (PC) and file regular campaign finance reports.
✓ Counts Toward $500
- Donations to candidates, PACs, or political parties
- Printing/distributing campaign literature endorsing/opposing a candidate
- Running ads or mailings telling people how to vote
- Hosting fundraisers with proceeds going to candidates
- Coordinating GOTV for a specific candidate or ballot issue
✗ Does NOT Count Toward $500
- Collecting membership dues
- Paying rent or utilities for club meetings
- Producing flyers marketing the club itself
- Hosting purely social or educational meetings
- Refreshments, postage, and internal admin expenses
Gambling Prohibition
Under Florida Statutes §849.0935, these are games of chance. Only 501(c)(3), (4), (7), (10), or (19) charitable organizations are eligible. DECs are tax-exempt under Section 527 and do not qualify. DEC Chairs must inform clubs under their jurisdiction, and compliance should be considered during club recertification.
Political Disclaimers
All materials — texts, emails, literature, slate cards, voter guides, radio, TV, and newspaper ads — created in support of or opposing a candidate or issue must include the required disclaimer. Exceptions: bumper stickers, buttons, hats, and t-shirts.
State Disclaimer
"Paid political advertisement paid for by the [County] County Democratic Executive Committee, [Address]"
Citation: FLA STAT. §106.143
Federal Disclaimer
"Paid for by [Committee Name]. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee."
Both state AND federal disclaimers are required on all DEC websites — typically placed in headers or footers.
Election Ballots — Storage & Review
All ballots must be sealed and retained for six (6) months after the election. The Secretary must seal them immediately, dating, time-stamping, and signing the receptacle with a count of ballots inside.
Review Procedure
- DEC members may submit a written request to review ballots within 6 months of the election
- The Chair establishes a time, date, and location for in-person review; both parties may bring an observer
- Ballots must remain in the room and not leave sight of the Secretary and Chair at any time
- Upon conclusion, the Secretary recounts all ballots, reseals the receptacle, and signs/dates with the time opened and resealed
Opening a Bank Account & IRS Obligations
To open a bank account, a DEC must have its own Employer Identification Number (EIN), even without employees.
How to Obtain an EIN
- Go to IRS.gov EIN Online Application
- Select "View Additional Types" → choose "Political Organization"
- Select "To Open a Bank Account" as the reason
- Provide contact information and organization details
Hosting In-Home Fundraising Events
Federal Candidates
An individual may spend up to $1,000 per candidate, per election on food, beverages, and invitations for an in-home event without it counting as a contribution. Each person living in the home gets a separate $1,000 allowance.
Florida (Non-Federal) Candidates
All money spent on food, beverages, and supplies for an in-home fundraiser for a Florida candidate must be reported as an in-kind donation to the candidate. The candidate must agree to receive and report the donation. Citation: FLA STAT. §106.025
DECs are the foundation of our success. You know your communities, your local leadership landscape, and the individuals who may be ready to step up and serve. That local insight is invaluable to effective candidate recruitment.
At the same time, DECs are not expected to build recruitment systems, training programs, or campaign infrastructure on their own. The FDP has invested in a statewide Candidate Support Team and comprehensive resources to ensure candidates receive professional, consistent support.
When a prospective candidate expresses interest, the most important next step is to direct them to complete the FDP Run for Office form →. From there, the Candidate Support Team will connect them to the full suite of resources and provide continued assistance throughout their campaign.
Why Candidate Recruitment Matters
The core purpose of every DEC is simple: elect Democrats to office. But we cannot win elections if we do not have candidates on the ballot. Candidate recruitment cannot be reactive or last-minute — it must be intentional, strategic, and year-round.
When DECs recruit early and consistently, we:
- Set candidates up for success: Early recruitment reduces barriers, gives candidates time to prepare, and allows for proper campaign development.
- Build our bench: Many of Florida's strongest Democratic leaders began in local office. Today's city commissioner is tomorrow's state legislator or member of Congress.
- Strengthen long-term Democratic power: A steady pipeline of candidates ensures we are competitive now and in future cycles.
- Engage our communities: Recruitment energizes local Democrats and strengthens our local grassroots organizing.
- Hold Republicans accountable: We cannot challenge extreme, right-wing policies if we leave seats uncontested. Having a candidate run means Republicans have to answer to voters for their attacks on our freedoms.
Passive vs. Active Recruitment
Many DECs rely primarily on passive recruitment — waiting for candidates to come to them. While helpful, passive recruitment alone is not enough. Winning organizations actively recruit. This means identifying leadership potential in someone before they see it themselves.
| Passive Recruitment | Active Recruitment |
|---|---|
| Posting on social media | Assembling a candidate recruitment committee to brainstorm names |
| Emailing a list with a call for candidates | Meeting one-on-one with potential candidates to make a direct ask |
| Adding an interest form to your website | Asking trusted community leaders for recommendations |
| Sending a press release for a call for candidates | Calling previous candidates to ask them to run again |
The Expectation: A Year-Round Recruitment Plan
Every DEC should have a year-round candidate recruitment plan that identifies priority offices, assigns recruitment responsibility, sets timelines well before filing deadlines, utilizes FDP resources and prospect lists, and builds relationships with potential future candidates.
Recruitment is not a one-time task — it is an ongoing responsibility and a core function of party building.
Resources for Identifying & Recruiting Strong Candidates
The Florida Democratic Party has created comprehensive resources to empower DECs to build and execute an effective year-round recruitment plan. If you have questions or need help, the FDP Candidate Support Team is available at candidates@floridadems.org.
DEC Candidate Recruitment Toolkit
A ready-to-use toolkit that includes recruitment templates and talking points, a vetting guide and interview worksheet, best practices for supporting candidates at your DEC, and a "Thinking About Running" guide to help prospective candidates evaluate whether running is right for them.
Virtual Voter Guide
For every election, FDP publishes an online voter guide hosted on the state party website. It lists all Democrats on the ballot (including candidates in non-partisan races) and helps voters easily identify Democratic choices. DECs can promote this guide locally to support turnout and visibility.
Election & Office Data
FDP maintains a comprehensive list of elected offices statewide, party affiliation of all elected officials in Florida (including non-partisan races), research on upcoming elections, and candidate identification and election dates. Contact candidates@floridadems.org to request county-specific data.
Statewide Candidate Contact Information
A publicly available, monthly updated list of statewide, federal, and state legislature Democratic candidate contact information is available on the FDP website.
Prospect List
The Florida Democratic Party maintains a database of thousands of prospective candidates who have consented to having their information shared for recruitment purposes. This resource is available to DEC, club, and caucus officers or committee chairs to support active, strategic candidate recruitment efforts. DEC officers or committee chairs can submit a request for this data here.
Resources for Candidates & Prospective Candidates
When you recruit a candidate, you are not expected to train or support them alone. The FDP Candidate Support Team provides wrap-around services statewide to every Democratic candidate. DECs should encourage all candidates and prospective candidates to complete the Run for Office form → to access these free resources:
- Bi-Weekly Newsletter: FDP's candidate newsletter provides announcements, updates, and new resources to candidates.
- Digital Candidate Toolkit: A free toolkit filled with guidance, social media templates, checklists and more — helping candidates save valuable time on campaign infrastructure.
- Votebuilder: Candidates may purchase access to Votebuilder through FDP — a powerful campaigning tool that streamlines voter targeting and field operations. Free trainings are available. A Votebuilder Scholarship Program provides a 50% discount for candidates running for Congress, State Legislature, or county-level seats in heavily red districts.
- Scale to Win Tools: Candidates can sign up for a subaccount on the Scale to Win Dialer and texting platform for free, with all calls and texts billed at FDP's bulk rate.
- Candidate Training: FDP and state and national partners provide free candidate training year-round. A full training calendar is available in the candidate toolkit.
- Office Hours: Candidates or prospective candidates with questions or who need 1:1 support can email candidates@floridadems.org 24/7 for assistance.
The following sections are currently being developed and will be included in future versions of this manual:
DEC Re-Organization
Guidance following presidential elections
Campaign and Field
GOTV strategies, voter registration, and Vote-by-Mail
Fundraising
Direct asks, event planning, and compliance
Communications
Websites, social media, and media relations
Appendix
Forms and templates including Proxy Form, Loyalty Oath, VBM Forms, Sample Agenda, Minutes, Non-Endorsement Statement, and more