A referendum is a public question placed on a ballot that invites voters in a specific county or area to make their voices heard. For schools, it can cover a range of topics, such as:
- Funding for new sports facilities
- Operational funding to support staff and programs
- Funding to renovate existing school buildings
- Funding for school safety
Build Buzz Around Your Referendums
Before you can persuade the local public to vote for your referendum, you have to ensure that they even know about it first. Video is a great way to get the word out about a referendum because it’s easy to disseminate. Posting the video to your school’s website, social media page, or attaching it in an e-blast allows people to pass it along to their neighbors, friends, or colleagues in the community.
Check out this video example Media Services created in 2022 for Lebanon Community School Corporation.
Maintain Consistency with Your Message
With a video, you control the messaging of the referendum. Ensure that the information provided in the video is accurate, clear-cut, and easy to digest. It’s important that voters understand the key issues on the table so they can make informed decisions as they cast their votes. Without clear communication, the referendum gets confusing for voters. It may even result in misunderstandings that cause the referendum to fail or be skewed.
One prominent issue we currently face with referendums is that many voters need to be more informed about them. Indiana law requires complicated wording on ballets, which may complicate your messaging. The public may not understand the specifics and consequences of a policy decision, but creating a video for referendums enables concise and consistent messaging—so voters get a clear understanding of what they are voting on.
Break Down Complex Information
Since referendums are usually written in confusing “legalese,” it will be hard for much of the public to understand to effectively make a decision. A video about a school referendum can feature images, graphics, and other special effects—creating some life to political questions that may appear mundane on paper.
Check out this video example Media Services created in 2022 for Perry Township Schools.
By default, videos have the power to produce more riveting content while bringing a human aspect to the questions you raise. Talking voters through issues—whether you’re breaking down complex thoughts or simplifying language brings a greater understanding to the masses. Further, video referendums have the potential to apply an emotional connection to a more clinical idea.
Check out this video example Media Services created for Benton Community Schools in 2021.
While videos are ideal for explaining referendums, they’re also hugely beneficial in actually showing the public why the referendum needs their attention. Interviews with parents, students, and staff can put a new, personable spin on electorate-focused decision-making.
Do you have an important referendum to pose to your voters? Partner with CIESC Media Services to create compelling video content that helps explain and persuade your message. Contact us today!
