Voter Data Infrastructure  ·  Ohio 2026

Candidate
Process Guide

How to go from introduction to a fully operational data program — six steps, in order.

This guide walks candidates and campaign managers through the full onboarding sequence for the voter data infrastructure. Each step builds on the last. The tools are designed to be used in this order, and skipping ahead will create gaps. A campaign that completes all six steps will have a functioning voter targeting, field operations, and outreach program built on public data.

1
Your Data

Your District Data Is Ready

Your voter data has already been loaded, verified, and prepared before you reach this step. The database is built from the Ohio Secretary of State voter file — public record that captures every registered voter in your district, their address, party history, and participation in every election going back to 2004.

That data is combined with county auditor parcel records, which adds property information, ownership, and sale history to each address. Precinct boundaries, GIS shapefiles, and district maps are layered in so every voter is correctly assigned to their precinct.

When you indicated you wanted access to the data for your district, the operator completed all intake and verification work on your behalf. You are starting with a clean, verified dataset. You do not need to request or supply anything for this step.

What is already in place
A verified voter database for your district with scoring model applied, precinct assignments confirmed, and all standard reports ready to generate on request.
2
Assessment

Complete the Needs Assessment

Every candidate and campaign manager fills out the Data Needs Assessment. This is not a data form — it is a strategic conversation. You rate 24 potential data tools by whether they apply to your race and how much priority they deserve.

Your responses tell the coordinating team which reports to build first and how to weight limited volunteer time. Be specific in the notes fields — the more context you give, the better the data work that comes back. If you have a different filter, a specific geography, or an unusual query in mind, add it to the notes or request a phone call for query planning before submitting.

What you have when this is done
A submitted assessment on file with the coordinating team. Your priorities are documented and your first report order is in the queue.
3
Reference

Understand the Scoring Model

Before you start using voter lists, you need to understand how voters are scored and what each category means. The Scoring Criteria document explains the Soft Republican and Independent models, the Strong Republican criteria, and the Dropout Flag in plain language.

This matters because the categories shape your entire outreach strategy. A Soft Republican High voter and an Independent High voter are both on the walk list — but your message to each should be different.

What you have when this is done
A working understanding of who is in each report and why. You can explain to a volunteer what a "Soft R High" voter means and how to talk to them.
4
Reports

Order Your Standard Reports

Nine standard reports are available and ready to generate from the database. Use the Report Order Form to select which ones you need. Add delivery instructions and any notes — for example, if you only need one township from the walk list, say so here.

Files are delivered within 24 hours as CSVs formatted for direct use in Excel, Google Sheets, or any canvassing software.

Standard report formats are in development and will need collaboration with candidates to make them as useful and reliable as possible. Once your order is received, the team will check in to confirm the format works for your operation before final delivery.

What you have when this is done
Your walk list, mailing list, precinct summary, and any other standard reports — formatted, cleaned, and delivered. You are ready to start knocking doors or sending mail.
5
Custom

Request Custom Lists

As your campaign develops, you will need lists that go beyond the standard reports — a single precinct filtered by age, a specific township sorted by score, a walk list that excludes strong Republicans. The Custom Report Request form handles all of this.

Describe what you need in plain language. A data volunteer will build the report and deliver it within 48 hours. The more specific you are, the less back-and-forth is needed.

What you have when this is done
A targeted voter list built to your exact specifications — filtered, sorted, and sized for the specific canvass, event, or outreach you are planning.
6
Field

Put the Data to Work

Reports are tools, not answers. The walk list tells you who to knock and where — your volunteers do the talking. The precinct summary tells you where to concentrate — your field director makes the call. The welcome wagon identifies new neighbors — your campaign decides what to say.

Use the precinct summary to plan your canvass schedule. Use the walk list sorted by precinct and street for turf assignments. Use the mailing list for direct mail. Check the new registrant list monthly and add fresh names to your universe.

The ongoing rhythm
New registrant report refreshed monthly. Walk lists updated before each canvass. Custom requests as events and priorities shift. The database grows more useful the longer you use it.