Four Freedoms Democratic Club
- Endorsement Process

Before each election, the Elections/Legislative Issues Committee meets to identify issues confronting the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. The issues are reviewed and approved by the Four Freedoms Board of Directors before the Endorsements process begins.

Based upon the issues that have been identified, the Elections/Legislative Issues Committee formulates a questionnaire for candidates. Each Democratic candidate for every elected office is sent a letter inviting them to complete the questionnaire and apply for a Four Freedoms Endorsement. In nonpartisan contests, such as the Kansas City, Missouri City Council race, all candidates are invited to apply for Four Freedoms Endorsement. Every candidate seeking Endorsement must complete the questionnaire and attend a screening interview with the committee.

The candidate screening interview normally lasts 30-45 minutes and includes an opportunity for the candidate to discuss his or her reasons for seeking elected office and to elaborate or clarify any responses from the questionnaire. Incumbent candidates may be asked about their record of achievement on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.

After the screening interview, the committee discusses the candidate's responses and votes to recommend an Endorsement or a Do Not Endorse decision to the Four Freedoms Board. At a meeting of the Board the committee presents its recommendations and the Board makes a final decision on each candidate. The Board can accept the committee's recommendation or override the recommendation, based upon further information presented to the Board.

The Endorsements by the Four Freedoms Democratic Club are announced to the candidates and the news media. Endorsed candidates are encouraged to identify ways the Four Freedoms Democratic Club members can assist with their campaign, and on election day, Endorsements are distributed at selected polling places.