Washington County, Virginia – Courthouse Referendum Public Information Campaign

Washington County, Virginia, asked voters on the Nov. 5, 2019, ballot to decide the future of its historic courthouse, completed in 1868 and last renovated in 1991. The county’s board of supervisors retained CI/CM to explain the issues facing the courthouse (space, access and security), the potential solutions and the referendum itself.

Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 24.2-687) barred the county, and CI/CM, from advocating for any outcome, so the campaign was strictly public information: clear facts, presented fairly, so residents could make an informed decision.

CI/CM developed a campaign microsite, a communications playbook, infographics, a direct mailer, a news conference, news releases and community presentations.

Results: Over the 16-week campaign, the courthouse issue drew 79 media items across six outlets, about five a week, with an estimated local reach of 6.9 million and Associated Press pickup (U.S. News & World Report). Voter turnout was up about 7% compared with November 2017. The microsite drew 1,531 visitors and 44 resident submissions by Nov. 5.

Services: public information campaign, issue research, microsite, infographics, direct mail, media relations, news conference, presentations