Campaign Printing Checklist: Everything Your Campaign Needs
A practical guide for candidates and campaign managers — what to order, how many, when to order it, and standard specs. Printed union in St. Louis since 1984.
Essential Campaign Materials Checklist
Every campaign is different, but these are the core print materials that move voters. Use this as your starting checklist — add or subtract based on your race and budget.
Yard Signs
The workhorse of any campaign. High-visibility name recognition, 24/7.
Political Mailers
Targeted direct mail to registered voters. High reach, trackable.
Door Hangers
Left at doors during canvassing. High personal impact.
Palm Cards
Pocket-sized handout for events, debates, and canvassing.
Buttons & Stickers
Wearable visibility for volunteers, rallies, and events.
Banners & Signage
Event backdrops, stage signs, office displays.
How Many Do You Need? Quantities by Race Type
These are starting estimates. Your actual numbers depend on geography, budget, and volunteer capacity. When in doubt, start conservative and reorder.
| Race Type | Registered Voters | Yard Signs | Mailers | Door Hangers | Palm Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local (City Council, School Board) | 1,000–10,000 | 100–300 | 500–2,000 | 200–500 | 200–500 |
| County-Level | 10,000–50,000 | 300–1,000 | 2,000–10,000 | 500–2,000 | 500–2,000 |
| State Legislative | 50,000–150,000 | 500–2,000 | 10,000–30,000 | 2,000–5,000 | 2,000–5,000 |
Estimates only. Contact us to discuss your specific district and strategy.
When to Order: Campaign Printing Timeline
Work backwards from election day. The biggest mistake campaigns make is ordering too late and paying rush fees — or worse, running out of yard signs at peak momentum.
File Specs & Print Specifications
Getting your files right the first time prevents delays. Share this with your designer before they start.
File Requirements
- PDF format (preferred) or high-res TIFF/EPS
- 300 DPI minimum resolution
- CMYK color mode (not RGB)
- 0.125" bleed on all sides
- Fonts embedded or outlined
Standard Sizes Quick Reference
| Yard Sign | "18"×"24" |
| Large Yard Sign | "24"×"36" |
| Postcard (standard) | "6"×"9" |
| Postcard (large) | "6"×"11" |
| Door Hanger | "4.25"×"11" |
| Palm Card | "4"×"9" |
| Bumper Sticker | "3"×"10" |
Budgeting Tips for Campaign Printing
Print is one of the most cost-effective channels in a campaign budget. Here's how to stretch your dollars.
Why Union Printing Matters for Campaigns
The union bug — a small union label on your printed materials — signals to union households, labor organizations, and endorsing bodies that your campaign walks the walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many yard signs does a local campaign need?
For a local race (city council, school board), plan for 100–300 yard signs. County-level races typically need 300–1,000. State legislative races often require 500–2,000+. Start with fewer and reorder as needed — most campaigns underestimate demand.
How far in advance should I order campaign printing?
For yard signs and door hangers, order 6–8 weeks before you need them in the field. Political mailers should be ordered 4–6 weeks out to allow for design approval, print, and mail processing. Rush service is available but costs more — planning ahead saves money.
What is the standard size for a political yard sign?
The most common yard sign size is 18" x 24", which fits standard wire H-frames. 24" x 36" is used for higher-visibility placements. Corrugated plastic (coroplast) is the standard material for weather resistance.
Why does union printing matter for political campaigns?
Union-printed materials carry the "union bug" — a small logo showing the work was done by union labor. This matters to union households, labor organizations, and Democratic primaries. It can also be a differentiator in competitive districts with strong labor ties.
What file format should I submit for campaign printing?
PDF is the preferred format for all print-ready files. Submit at 300 DPI resolution with 0.1250.125" bleedquot; bleed on all sides. Use CMYK color mode (not RGB). Embed all fonts. Call us at (314) 849-7228 if your designer needs a template.
Does MCI Printing offer rush turnaround for campaigns?
Yes. Rush service is available for most campaign materials depending on current production schedule. Call us directly at (314) 849-7228 to discuss your deadline — we've helped campaigns meet tight windows before elections.
Ready to Get a Quote for Your Campaign?
Union-printed in St. Louis. WBE certified. Rush service available. We've helped campaigns win from city council to state legislature — call us and let's build your print plan.