4 Common Myths About Data and Advocacy

Navigating government issues without using big data is a little like riding a bike down a street wearing headphones and no helmet. What seems like a casual routine is actually downright dangerous.

Much like other industries that are slow to change, government has struggled to catch up to the wave of technology influencing decision-making and affecting outcomes. As legislatures deal with more and more public policy issues, the number of people and institutions affected by government decisions grows. As a result, the political landscape is further muddled. But there’s a four-letter word that can help you stay ahead: data.

Data exists beneath all the clutter of advocacy, and it enables greater clarity and direction. As the late physician and statistician Dr. Hans Rosling once said, “Let the data set change your mindset.” In advocacy, you can follow this principle, letting data guide your strategy and, in turn, change the mindsets of your stakeholders.

Not everyone is using data to its full potential. To harness the power of political data, it helps to first debunk four common myths about how to use it.

Embracing data through technology can make the difference between policy passing or failing, the discovery or the missed opportunity.

1. Data is inaccessible. Let’s bust this myth first. Political data is, in fact, extremely accessible. Federal and state governments have extensive rules requiring the release of open and public information. While the quality and organization of such data differs from state to state, everything from voting records and fiscal notes to lobbyist spending is available. It can seem tricky to find, but you just need to know where to look and how to navigate the information. A great place to start is your local state legislative website or data and transparency marketplace.

2. Data is exclusive to elections. “Big data” is a trendy phrase, yet few people really know what it means. When talking political data, most think about elections or detailed constituent information, such as demographics or donation history. However, there’s a treasure trove of unexplored assets buried within legislative data. It’s a matter of perspective: Is a lawmakers’ vote a vote, or is it a data point? How does lobbyist spending fit into the picture? Legislative data is about pulling together varied sources of data and connecting the dots. 

3. Data analysis requires expertise. The words “data analysis” can be scary, but you don’t need a Ph.D. to dive deep into data. You just need the right tools accompanied with clear goals. Across all industries, the biggest changes and victories are made in the margins. Embracing data through technology can make the difference between policy passing or failing, the discovery or the missed opportunity. 

4. Your members aren’t interested in political data. Advocating and understanding your issues and communicating that information back to members shows that you are working in their best interests. Political decisions have real consequences, so navigating challenges and maximizing your influence in advocacy require open communication with stakeholders. For example, this year the Montana Police Protective Association analyzed more than 3,000 votes from 150 state legislators—data that helped members to take action. MPPA shared a legislator ranking to help members make decisions on campaign donations, grassroots efforts across the state, and collaborations during the interim and upcoming legislative sessions.

In practice, data in politics can range from analyzing votes on a geographical basis to connecting the dots between rural and urban districts to identifying and forecasting voting patterns across state lines. Are you ready to take your association’s advocacy to the next level? The capacity to expand data in politics is unlimited.