A political campaign is a structured operation to elect a candidate or pass a ballot initiative. Thousands of campaigns are organized nationwide each two years (the election cycle). These range from small, local operations of just a few volunteers to large, federal operations with hundreds of paid staff and consultants. The duration and scale of a campaign depend largely on the office being sought or the issue at stake.
A broad array of organizations and individuals support election campaigns by making formal declarations of their endorsement or opposition to candidates and initiatives. These include trade unions, employer groups, interest-based advocacy organizations such as the National Rifle Association or AARP, and even celebrities and others not affiliated with any political party. In democratic societies, there is no restriction on such public statements of support or opposition.
Most campaign work is partisan and involves a commitment to a particular political party. Partisanship can make it difficult to switch jobs or move between parties, especially early in your career.
Those who take entry-level positions on campaigns are often compensated primarily with the opportunity to learn and grow professionally. This opportunity is particularly valuable for aspiring policymakers or those who seek to influence policy outcomes. In addition, a well-organized and professional campaign provides an excellent perspective on how political support for specific policy ideas is gained and managed. This understanding is essential to future success in policymaking or as a lobbyist. A comprehensive understanding of how campaigns are staffed and operated is also important for those who plan to practice law in areas such as campaign finance or legislative lobbying.