CAPE Endorsement Process

CAPE Endorsement Process

The SEIU Local 503 endorsement process happens through the CAPE board. The CAPE board is elected by members that give to CAPE. Endorsements for federal elections, president and Congress, are made by the International Union Executive Board.

Step 1: Candidate Questionnaire

A questionnaire is sent out to ALL candidates running for elected office in areas where we represent workers. Local government officials, legislators, and statewide candidates receive questionnaires. The goal of the questionnaire is to get at the candidate’s commitment to worker’s issues, such as health care, worker rights, privatization, PERS, quality public services and more. We also ask candidates about their willingness to help in organizing campaigns and their knowledge, experience, and past support of unions. If the candidate returns and completes the questionnaire then they have the opportunity to be interviewed by SEIU members.

Step 2: Candidate Interviews

Candidates are interviewed by members at the local level. Members that work in the local areas and are familiar with the local issues can be involved in the interview process if they are interested. Candidates are asked questions by members ranging from their support of issues to their campaign plan.  Elected CAPE board members are also involved in the local endorsement process and report to the CAPE board the candidate’s responses and the feelings of the interview group.

Step 3: The Endorsement

The CAPE board makes the final endorsement based on the candidate’s voting record, the candidate’s support of SEIU issues, the candidate’s response to the questionnaire, and the candidate’s interview. After the CAPE board decides who they would like to endorse, the board reviews the endorsements.

Step 4: Getting Worker-Friendly Candidates Elected

After a candidate is endorsed by SEIU Local 503, we work to get them elected. We talk with our co-workers about endorsed candidates and send out information to members about why they should vote for them. For races that are close, volunteers phone bank and knock on doors, and we give them the resources so they can win.