Center for Transportation Excellence
1030 15th Street NW
Suite 750 West
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 349-1037
Fax: (202) 318-1429
info@cfte.org
www.cfte.org

Election Resources & Issues

In this section you will find information on transportation measures at the ballot box and keys to running a successful campaign. If you are looking for information on ballot measures by state, please visit our interactive U.S. map where you can see all the ballot measures for one particular state.

Lessons Learned Advice for those seeking to win a local transportation referendum.	Initiatives, Referendums & Ballot Measures What do these terms mean? Where can I find more information on ballot measures?
Ballot Language Library See how other communities have crafted ballot language for their transit initiative.	Keys to Success Eleven ways to build a strong transit campaign in your community.
A Guide for Successful Transit Initiatives (PDF) Released at the 2005 Transit Initiatives and Communities conference, this guides is designed to help with the nuts and bolts of a public transportation referendum. This is a must read for anyone thinking of mounting such a campaign.	Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) Ballot Measures TABOR measures pose a threat to investement in transportation and other public services. CFTE provides an overview of the TABOR movement and monitors 2006 campaigns.
Factors Influencing Voting Results of Local Transportation Funding Initiatives with a Substantial Transit Component: Case Studies of Ballot Measures in Eleven Communities(PDF) Research by Peter Haas at San Jose State University, California.	Legal Issues and Direct Democracy Measures This briefing, authored by Robert Meyers, offers a unique perspective at the advocacy vs. education issues with transit referenda. A must-read if you are thinking of going to the ballot.
Lessons Learned: A Conference on Transit Referenda and Why They Succeed or Fail(PDF) Compiled transcripts from the 2001 Transit Initiatives Conference held in San Jose.	Why Campaigns for Local Transportation Initiatives Succeed or Fail: An Analysis of Four Communities and National Data(PDF) Research by Peter Haas at San Jose State University, California
CFTE Transit Initiatives Awards The Center wants to recognize your campaign's innovations in coalition building, responding to critics, and web outreach.	Congressional Candidate Survey Find out how your local elected officials feel about public transportation.
CFTE Advisory Board Member Discusses Ballot Measures on E+E TV. Appearing on Energy + Environment TV's OnPoint, Art Guzzetti of the American Public Transportation Association discusses the November 2005 election and local support for new transportation investment.

Back to Top

Lessons Learned: A Summary for Local Transit Elections

Special Look at 2007
Voters Decide to “Keep Mecklenburg Moving”
By Alan Wulkan, founder and a managing partner of InfraConsult, LLC

Public transportation is a vital asset to America's marketplace. Transit creates jobs and connects people to opportunities. Communities everyday are choosing public transportation, specifically rail transit, as an alternative to driving. For those seeking to win a local transportation referendum, below is a list of suggestions for success that you may find helpful.

• Most urban areas go the voters more than once before a dedicated revenue source for transit is established.
• Many elections seeking transit funding are more influenced by other variables such as the economy, government interest, etc., than support for public transit.
• Transit revenue sources have been established as stand alone issues as well as in conjunction with highway propositions.
• All local elections identified were "take it or leave it" propositions, not allowing voters to separate issues or projects within issues.
• The most successful election campaigns had grassroots election support as well as professional management.
• Despite overwhelming endorsements and campaign financing, many tax initiatives fail due to grassroots opposition.
• Voters are more likely to approve tax increases if specific projects are linked with the funding request.
• Successful transit elections are more often focused on the short-term and immediate time frames.
• Even with token opposition, transit elections usually are close elections due to the relatively small direct constituencies benefiting from the tax.
• Eventually, every urban area that has attempted to pass dedicated transit revenue has succeeded on the second or third attempt.

Back to Top

Eleven Keys To Success For Local Transit Elections

1. Timing
   Make sure timing is appropriate to have a local election.
2. Specific Plan
   Have a specific plan in place and be prepared to handle the upcoming election.
3. Simple Issue
   Make sure the issue is a simple issue, not too complicated to comprehend.
4. Champion(s)
   Identify a champion or someone local in charge of the campaign voters can connect with.
5. Clear Benefits
   Make sure there are clear benefits to the voters. "What's in it for them?" Clearly answer this question.
6. Public Involvement
   It's essential that there is a public involvement plan that is strategic and inclusive.
7. Listen to Community
   Keep your eyes and ears open throughout the election process. Be prepared to answer the concerns of the community quickly.
8. Regional Balance
   Your plan should include a regional balance of transportation options.
9. Governance/Accountability
   Your plan should be responsible and show accountability. No "blank check" proposals.
10. Creative Solutions
    Be creative in deciding the proposal you plan to put before voters. Ensure that you have considered all options.
11. Adequate Funding
    Make sure your proposal will provide adequate funding for your project or your proposal.

Back to Top