Today is election day. Unlike 2003 this election has been a pretty dull affair. Coyote Gulch thinks that candidates and voters are exhausted after the 2006 General election. Mayor Hickenlooper's popularity scared off challengers, as did Dennis Gallagher's campaigning prowess. Apparently no one wanted to put out the effort necessary to knock off incumbents or everyone is happy with the job they're doing. Incumbent councilors also generally had an easy time of it.
Each election in Denver (since 2003) is marked by the awarding of Gulchies. Gulchies are awarded in each race. We recognize the best use of Internet technologies by a campaign. We do not emphasize design since that might turn out to be a award for the deepest pockets. Instead, we judge the campaign based on various criteria.
Criteria for a Gulchie:
 First up, does the campaign have a website? Many campaigns this election do but some don't. Coyote Gulch found 29 candidate sites this cycle. In some cases the effort seemed to depend on how much of a race the candidate had. For example Mayor Hickenlooper pretty much recycled (in the green spirit we're sure) his website from 2003. Meanwhile Dennis Gallagher set the 'minimalist' tone this year. There were exceptions however. Judy Montero's website was the most complete of the election even though she didn't face too stiff a challenge.
Email lists are a great way to reach out. Every campaign should have one. Since email skills are becoming pervasive it's an easy way to reach voters. Lists can be used to coordinate schedule changes, inform on the issues and ask for support. Don't assume that people that sign up for email information are automatically supporters of your campaign. Keep one e-mail list and assign someone to keep it current.
Weblogs have still not caught on in the local elections. Each time we hear candidate complaints about the lack of, or inaccurate coverage in the news media, we're tempted to remind campaigns that they can publish their own items, as often as they want and generate RSS feeds. If there is no weblog, include short and current content. Position papers are not an interesting read usually and a snippet of a candidate position is more accessible. Also post links to longer reads.
Each website needs to make it easy to donate online. Small donors are a great resource to tap and many of these donors use the Web. Fourteen campaigns took online donations this cycle.
Navigation should be straightforward. Make it easy to find various parts of the website. Label buttons intuitively and accurately. Always make it easy to return to the home page.
The website is a great place to post video and audio, including TV ads if the campaign has enough dough for a TV or Radio buy. With YouTube each candidate can show an inclusive attitude, that is, no matter what type of modern computer is in use the video can be viewed. Similarly .MP3 audio format is the inclusive choice.
Include a photo gallery and a photo on every page. You're trying to connect with humans and photo images can help.
Make it easy to find event information. Include addresses and contact phone numbers. Keep this content current. Again, you're trying to connect with people, help them find you.
Websites are not car dealer showrooms. Back off the hard-sell tactics. Many visitors are not supporters and too much selling might keep them from coming back.
A list of endorsements can add credibility.
Strive to present a confident, humble image.
2007 Denver Municipal Election Gulchie Awards:
Mayor - John Hickenlooper
Auditor - Dennis Gallagher
Clerk and Recorder - Jacob Werther
Council District 1 - Rick Garcia
Council District 2 - Jeanne Faatz
Council District 3 - Paul Lopez
Council District 4 - Peggy Lehman
Council District 5 - Mitchell Poindexter
Council District 7 - Chris Nevitt
Council District 8 - Darrell Watson
Council District 9 - Judy Montero
Council District 10 - Jeanne Robb
Council District 11 - Michael Hancock
Council At-Large - Carol Boigon
We want to give special recognition to Judy Montero for her weblog, Carla Madison for the video of the Raging Grannies, Greg Rasheed for his video introduction, Mark Roggeman for design and Carol Campbell for the print a sign application.
Thanks to those that nominated websites for the awards and thanks to the judges. In many contests the choices were tough.
Here are the Gulchies for May 2003, August 2004, November 2004, May 2005, November 2005, August 2006 and November 2006.
Category: Denver May 2007 Election
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