…Alan Melamed, emerged as a new star on the statewide scene, impressing wags across the state with his political acumen, wit and friendliness
—Joe Hallet, The Plain Dealer
case studies for selected clients
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
In May 2006, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections found itself under intense scrutiny and criticism as a result of a series of problems during the primary election that resulted in election results being delayed for several days. Following the controversies of the 2004 Presidential election, the Board’s reputation and credibility were seriously tarnished and voter confidence was eroded.
An exhaustive independent study of the May 2006 election resulted in hundreds of recommendations for change including the suggestion that an outside consultant be retained to develop a 14-month voter education, communication and media program for the November 2006 through November 2007 elections. Following an extensive RFP process, Melamed Communications was selected to undertake the effort to educate voters, recruit poll workers and restore voter confidence. A comprehensive voter education campaign and grassroots program entitled, "What to Remember for November" was developed to reach voters. The program was highly successful resulting in the first time participation of hundreds of community organizations in voter education programming, nearly 100,000 voters taking advantage of early absentee voting and a 100% increase in hits to the Board’s redesigned website.
Melamed Communications was also asked to serve as the Board’s primary spokesperson and to manage media relations. Melamed successfully framed the election message to highlight the Board’s responsiveness to the review panel’s recommendation and it’s responsiveness to addressing issues in an open and expeditious way.
As a result, the Board received universal praise for the improvements made, including editorial recognition, praise from print and broadcast media and acknowledgement from voter advocacy groups.
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
In May 2006, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections found itself under intense scrutiny and criticism as a result of a series of problems during the primary election that resulted in election results being delayed for several days. Following the controversies of the 2004 Presidential election, the Board’s reputation and credibility were seriously tarnished and voter confidence was eroded.
An exhaustive independent study of the May 2006 election resulted in hundreds of recommendations for change including the suggestion that an outside consultant be retained to develop a 14-month voter education, communication and media program for the November 2006 through November 2007 elections. Following an extensive RFP process, Melamed Communications was selected to undertake the effort to educate voters, recruit poll workers and restore voter confidence. A comprehensive voter education campaign and grassroots program entitled, "What to Remember for November" was developed to reach voters. The program was highly successful resulting in the first time participation of hundreds of community organizations in voter education programming, nearly 100,000 voters taking advantage of early absentee voting and a 100% increase in hits to the Board’s redesigned website.
Melamed Communications was also asked to serve as the Board’s primary spokesperson and to manage media relations. Melamed successfully framed the election message to highlight the Board’s responsiveness to the review panel’s recommendation and it’s responsiveness to addressing issues in an open and expeditious way.
As a result, the Board received universal praise for the improvements made, including editorial recognition, praise from print and broadcast media and acknowledgement from voter advocacy groups.