How to Write Your First Palm Card for a Virginia Campaign

Simple steps to create effective, readable, and voter friendly literature

Palm cards are one of the core pieces of campaign literature in Virginia. They go to doors, events, farmers markets, early voting lines, and community gatherings. If you are creating your first palm card, here is a practical guide to keep the process simple and effective.

1. Start with clarity, not creativity

Your palm card is not a brochure. It is a quick introduction. Voters should understand who you are within a few seconds. Keep it simple and focused.

• Your name

• The office you are running for

• One clear message about why you are running

If you try to say too much, people will not remember any of it.

2. Use a strong headshot and readable layout

A clear, friendly headshot helps voters recognize you at the door and in the community. Use a photo with natural light and a neutral background. Make sure your layout is easy to skim.

Good design is clean.

Great design is readable.

3. Keep your message triangle visible

Your palm card should include your top three issues or values. No paragraphs. No heavy explanations. Just short points that show what you care about.

Examples might include:

• strong schools

• safer neighborhoods

• reliable local services

• housing affordability

• responsible budgets

These points become the backbone of your field conversations.

4. Include a call to action

Give voters something to do.

Learn more on your website

Follow your campaign on social media

Volunteer or donate

Mark early voting dates

A small call to action keeps the conversation going after the card is handed out.

5. Print early and print in Virginia

Virginia campaigns rely heavily on palm cards during early voting. If you wait too long, you risk delays or shortages. Printing in Virginia keeps turnaround times predictable and lets you update materials quickly if something changes.

6. Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid:

• too much text

• low contrast colors

• unreadable fonts

• photos that feel too formal or too casual

• printing out of state during peak season

If your palm card looks clean, simple, and confident, voters will remember it.

Closing Thought

Your palm card is the first way many voters will meet you. Make it simple, clear, and true to who you are. If you build your palm card around your message and your district, it will do the job well.