2024 DC Debates

The DC Office of Campaign Finance (OCF) engaged Bayne LLC (Bayne) to produce and promote the 2022 Fair Elections Program Debates for the primary and general elections.  Bayne also recruited and coordinated with community-based organizations to promote the debates and engage the public.  

Strategic Communications and Marketing

The vendor executed a comprehensive public relations and media engagement campaign, utilizing digital, print, and community outreach methods to maximize public awareness and participation.

• Deployed targeted SMS campaigns to registered voters.
• Implemented over-the-top (OTT) streaming advertisements.
• Launched social media campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Distributed postcards with QR codes targeting hard-to-reach communities.
• Partnered with community organizations such as DC Action for Kids, Dupont Circle Citizens Association, and DC Federation of Civic Associations to extend outreach.

Primary Debate Marketing (May 2, 2024):

• SMS outreach.
• OTT streaming ads.
• Social media advertisements on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Total viewership: 60,000.

General Election Debate Marketing (September 18, 2024):

• Mobile ads and targeted postcards.
• OTT streaming ads.
• Social media advertisements on Instagram and Facebook.
• Total viewership: 90,000.

Debate Process & Execution

• Organized and executed debates for the At-Large Council Primary and General Elections.
• Provided simultaneous English and Spanish translation, with ASL interpretation.
• Broadcasted debates from George Washington University (Primary) and the DC Board of Elections hearing room (General Election), streamed live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Managed full site production, including equipment rental, technical staffing, and administrative support.
• Recruited and coordinated with moderators to ensure a structured and fair debate format.
• Developed debate questions in collaboration with community partners and solicited voter input.
• Provided comprehensive post-debate analysis and engagement metrics.

DC Debate Website: https://dcdebates.com/

DC Debates YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dcdebates671/featured