Targets are saved searches that can combine a variety of field data and analytics in one place to provide a streamlined list creation process for field outreach, volunteer recruitment, and analysis. The MDP Data Team builds targets to simplify the process of creating a list for all our users. Targets are used to manage large lists across multiple committees or statewide campaigns. They refresh nightly. 




Newly Registered 


We’ve rolled out a couple VAN targets for new voter registrations. There are two targets available: 


  • Newly Registered: These are voters who have registered in MI for the first time within the past year. 
  • Recently Moved: This target includes voters who have updated their voter registration from one county in MI to another county within the past year. 


Both targets are filtered to exclude likely Republican voters based on our Likely Party targets. This target will be updated each month when new voter files are uploaded to VAN.


If you’re combining this target with other targets, make sure you add a step to narrow your list. Do not combine multiple targets in one step. If you need more guidance on adding steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. 


MI Likely Party


These targets combine field IDs, the MDP’s Donor Database, and several analytics datasets to provide the most comprehensive view of partisanship in Michigan. They update based on new information every night. We recommend using these targets instead of VAN's version of likely party. 

  • Strong Democrat: “Strong” field ID, volunteer history, donation history in recent cycle, or very likely to vote and support Democrats
  • Lean Democrat: “Lean” ID, weaker volunteer/donation history, or likely to support Democrats
  • Independent: Split/Undecided IDs, third party candidate ID/donation, or very likely to turnout but unclear partisanship. 
  • Lean Republican: “Lean” ID, weaker volunteer/donation history, or likely to support Republicans
  • Strong Republican: “Strong” field ID, volunteer history, donation history in recent cycle, or very likely to vote and support Republicans
  • Need Data: Not enough voter data to determine their partisanship unless we get a field ID


You can read more about these targets here: Slides


Potential Volunteer


You can use these targets to engage additional volunteers, club members, and activists. They represent voters who have volunteered for the state party in the last two cycles, or who have expressed interest in volunteering, and we would love for them to get involved with clubs and campaigns at the local level.


  • Recent Party Volunteer

    • Signed up for a volunteer shift with the state party or coordinated in 2020 or 2018. 

  • Yes/Maybe to Volunteering for Party

    • Yes/Maybe/Closer to Election Day to volunteering for the state party or coordinated in 2020 or 2018. 


Generation


Generations are voting blocks denoted by the years they were born in. Unlike age brackets, generations will contain the same group of voters from election to election. As an additional layer of targeting and analysis, we also distinguish older generations based on education score as it has been a salient electoral line in recent elections. 


GenZ: Born 1997 or later

Millennials: Born 1981 to 1996

GenX-Working Class: Born 1965 to 1980, less likely to have a 4 year college degree

GenX-Middle Class: Born 1965 to 1980, more likely to have a 4 year college degree

Baby Boomers-Working Class: Born 1946 to 1964, less likely to have a 4 year college degree

Baby Boomers-Middle Class: Born 1946 to 1964, more likely to have a 4 year college degree

Silent Gen-Working Class: Born before 1946, less likely to have a 4 year college degree

Silent Gen-Middle Class: Born before 1946, more likely to have a 4 year college degree