Even the best-laid plans can go awry during a hectic election season. The key is not to panic, but to have a strategy for dealing with common challenges. This guide provides solutions to some of the most frequent "what if" scenarios.

What if... no candidates (or very few) respond to our questionnaire?

This is a common challenge, especially for smaller organizations. Don't view it as a failure; view it as a data point.

• Strategy 1: Publicly Note the Non-Response. On your website, clearly and neutrally state which candidates responded and which did not. A simple "[Candidate Name] did not submit a response by the deadline" is powerful. Voters and the media can draw their own conclusions.
• Strategy 2: Pivot to Social Media. Tag the non-responsive candidates on social media with one or two key questions from your questionnaire. For example: ".@CandidateName, voters are wondering where you stand on funding the Elm Street bike lane. Will you commit to supporting it in the next budget? #BikeTheVote"
• Strategy 3: Focus on the Responders. Heavily promote the answers you did receive. Thank the candidates who took the time to respond and share their answers widely. This rewards good behavior and shows that your platform is one that engaged candidates use.

What if... only one candidate agrees to come to our forum?

A forum with only one candidate isn't a forum—it's a campaign rally. You must avoid this to protect your nonpartisan status and credibility.

• Strategy 1: Change the Format. Instead of a "forum," re-brand the event as a "Candidate Q&A" or "Community Conversation with [Candidate Name]." This is perfectly acceptable, as long as you have extended the same opportunity to all candidates. Keep a record of your invitations to show you made a good-faith effort to include everyone.
• Strategy 2: Cancel or Postpone. If the event's purpose was truly to compare candidates side-by-side, the best option may be to cancel or postpone it. You can issue a public statement saying, "We have postponed our candidate forum to find a date that allows for broader participation from all candidates."

What if... a candidate gives a hostile or nonsensical answer?

Your commitment is to publish responses verbatim. Do not "fix" or editorialize their answers.

• Strategy: Publish and Trust the Voters. Post the answer exactly as you received it. If it's hostile, confusing, or dodges the question, voters will see that. You can add a neutral note like "[Editor's Note: The response is published exactly as it was received.]" if you feel it's necessary. The candidate is responsible for their own words.

What if... we face criticism or attacks on social media?

If you are effective, someone will eventually be unhappy with your work.

• Strategy 1: Do Not Engage Trolls. Ignore obvious trolls and bad-faith attacks. Engaging only amplifies their message.
• Strategy 2: Respond with Facts and Grace. If the criticism is from a legitimate community member, respond politely and with facts. "Thanks for your question. Our forum was open to all candidates, and we're committed to providing a nonpartisan platform for discussion."
• Strategy 3: Have a Comment Policy. For your website or Facebook page, have a simple, posted policy that you can refer to (e.g., "We welcome respectful discussion, but personal attacks and misinformation will be removed.").

What if... a candidate drops out of the race?

• Strategy: Update Your Materials. Simply add a note to your questionnaire page or voter guide: "[Candidate Name] has withdrawn from the race." If you have already published their responses, it's fine to leave them up with this note, as it's part of the election record.