Facebook and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Boost

Joseph Cameron Rejoins Modern Cartographers as CEO Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:49:46 GMT

Joseph Cameron Rejoins Modern Cartographers as CEO Ahead of Midterms

Joseph Cameron Rejoins Modern Cartographers as CEO Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Premier public safety–focused political firm doubles down on data-driven campaigns, Digital Blockwalking™ and first responder advocacy.

HERMOSA BEACH, CA, UNITED STATES, June 16, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- Modern Cartographers today announced that co-founder Joseph Cameron has re-joined as chief executive officer, with co-founder Braden Frame continuing as chief operating officer. The leadership move comes as the firm prepares to meet increasing client demand for the high-stakes 2026 midterm elections.

Cameron, who has extensive experience in public safety technology, political consulting and lobbying for first responder organizations, previously led Modern Cartographers during a period of significant growth in police and public safety campaigns nationwide. His return signals a renewed emphasis on political action, issue campaigns and strategic counsel for public safety agencies, public sector employees and public safety–adjacent companies across the United States.

Modern Cartographers emphasized that its core mission remains serving law enforcement officers, firefighters, and public sector and public sector–adjacent employees through research, strategic planning, communications, and get-out-the-vote operations. The firm reports a year-over-year win rate of 90% or greater across candidate campaigns, ballot initiatives and public safety–related political efforts.

The firm also boasts its first-to-market, trademarked modern texting product, DIGITAL BLOCKWALKING™, which is registered for text messaging services for voters and community members in political and legislative campaigns. Digital Blockwalking™ is designed to complement traditional field efforts by improving response rates, increasing voter interaction and providing actionable data to campaigns in real time.

By combining traditional political organizing with technology-enabled outreach, Modern Cartographers aims to give public safety clients and their allies a competitive advantage in crowded media and electoral environments. The firm’s services range from polling and national research to message development, media and digital strategy, and customized GOTV programs tailored to public safety and public sector stakeholders.

“Modern Cartographers exists to help first responders and public sector employees tell their story, protect their mission and win in the arena of public opinion and at the ballot box,” Cameron said. “As we approach the 2026 midterms, we are focused on clear strategy, disciplined execution, and tools like Digital Blockwalking that turn engagement into results.”

You’re respected. You’re trusted. You have high favorability. So why did the measure fail?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:43:42 GMT

You’re respected. You’re trusted. You have high favorability. So why did the measure fail?

In public safety, we often see a "Trust Paradox." Firefighters and police are the most respected members of our communities, yet that doesn't always convert into votes. The problem isn't your reputation: it’s the map you're using.

Old maps rely on general assumptions. But popularity doesn't account for turnout mismatches, opposition framing, or confusing ballot language. Relying on "people like us" is like trying to navigate a city with a hand-drawn sketch from twenty years ago.

Modern victory requires a modern map. We use real-time data: the digital equivalent of GPS and satellite imagery: to identify exactly who is voting and what moves them. It’s about moving from broad persuasion to precise mobilization.

At the Modern Cartographers, we use a modern, tech-focused approach to help bridge the gap between being respected and getting elected. We provide the data-driven clarity and focus needed to navigate complex political landscapes and reach your destination: victory.

Ready to chart a clearer course? Schedule your custom strategy session here .

Campaigns don’t lose on Election Day: they lose in March when the operation is built on siloed data.

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:42:01 GMT

Campaigns don’t lose on Election Day: they lose in March when the operation is built on siloed data.

For public safety unions and associations, the path to victory isn't found in outdated assumptions or political guesswork. Those are old maps that lead to dead ends. To win in November, you need the clarity of a modern map today. Think of it like trading a paper map for high-resolution satellite imagery and real-time GPS. We help you move from Point A to Point B with precision, ensuring your message reaches the right voters at the right time.

At the Modern Cartographers, we use a modern, tech-focused approach to help bridge the gap between being respected and getting elected. We provide the data-driven clarity and focus needed to navigate complex political landscapes and reach your destination: victory.

Visit moderncartographers.com to start mapping your victory.

Political Hot Spots: Applying "Precision Policing" logic to precision campaign targeting.

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:25:22 GMT

Political Hot Spots: Applying "Precision Policing" logic to precision campaign targeting.

In the world of public safety, you don’t rely on guesswork: you rely on real-time intelligence. So why should your political campaign be any different?

For too long, organizations have relied on "old maps": outdated assumptions and paper charts that don't reflect the current landscape. We’re here to trade those in for modern maps. Think of it as moving from a folded paper map to high-resolution GPS and satellite imagery. We use real data to chart a clear course from Point A to Point B, ensuring every resource is deployed with maximum impact.

At the Modern Cartographers, we use a modern, tech-focused approach to help bridge the gap between being respected and getting elected. We provide the data-driven clarity and focus needed to navigate complex political landscapes and reach your destination: victory.

Click here to start mapping your victory.

Why follow a map that’s upside down?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:23:39 GMT

Why follow a map that’s upside down?

For years, political endorsements were built on "the way we've always done it." But tradition is an anchor, not a compass. In Bexar County, we saw a moment where the "old maps": full of assumptions and outdated guesses: didn't match the ground reality. That’s when you have to listen to the data and "recalculate route."

We don't guess. We move past paper maps and leverage modern GPS and satellite imagery to see exactly where the voters are. When the ground shifts, your strategy must follow. We chart a clear course from Point A to Point B for every campaign we touch.

At the Modern Cartographers, we use a modern, tech-focused approach to help bridge the gap between being respected and getting elected. We provide the data-driven clarity and focus needed to navigate complex political landscapes and reach your destination: victory.

Ready to see the road ahead? Let’s map your win today .

Stop navigating your campaign with a sextant and a prayer.

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:21:49 GMT

Stop navigating your campaign with a sextant and a prayer.

In the days of Columbus and Galileo, maps were built on stars and guesses. Because the assumptions were wrong, people got lost. Too many political campaigns in 2026 are still using that same "old map" logic: relying on gut feelings and outdated assumptions about who their voters are.

At the Modern Cartographers, we use a modern, tech-focused approach to help bridge the gap between being respected and getting elected. We provide the data-driven clarity and focus needed to navigate complex political landscapes and reach your destination: victory.

We help public safety unions, police associations, and IAFF locals see the political terrain with total clarity. We identify the exact voters who will show up, allowing labor-endorsed candidates to move from Point A to Point B with precision.

Don't let your message get lost in the fog of bad data. Electing leaders who support public safety and stand with labor requires a modern map.

Let’s chart your course to victory.

Book your custom strategy session here.

Being liked isn’t the same as being elected.

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:19:20 GMT

Being liked isn’t the same as being elected.

It’s what we call the Favorability Gap. Firefighters and police officers are consistently ranked as the most trusted professionals in the nation. Yet, pro-labor candidates often struggle to turn that community trust into a win on election night.

Old-school political strategy relies on "old maps": assumptions based on how popular a candidate feels. But popularity is just a marker on a map; it doesn’t reveal the roadblocks or the precise path to 50% + 1.

At the Modern Cartographers, we use a modern, tech-focused approach to help bridge the gap between being respected and getting elected. We provide the data-driven clarity and focus needed to navigate complex political landscapes and reach your destination: victory.

For public safety unions and labor groups, the stakes are too high for guesses. Let’s map your route to a win.

Ready for a modern map? Let’s connect.

Click here to start your custom strategy session.

Stop guessing who your voters are.

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:17:09 GMT

Stop guessing who your voters are.

Many labor-endorsed candidates and public safety unions are still navigating the political landscape with 'Columbus-era' maps: relying on gut feelings, outdated assumptions, and broad guesses. In a high-stakes election, a guess is a gamble you simply can't afford.

At Modern Cartographers, we move beyond the old ways. We use political 'cartography' powered by GPS-level data, LIDAR, and satellite imagery to see the terrain for what it actually is. We don't just point you in a general direction; we chart a precise course from Point A to Point B.

Whether you're running for office or fighting to pass a critical public safety measure, success depends on identifying and mobilizing the right people at the right time. We provide the high-resolution data needed to cut through the noise and ensure your message reaches the voters who matter most.

It’s time to trade the compass for a modern map. Let’s stop guessing and start winning.

Connect today to build your data-driven campaign strategy .

Stop guessing what your community wants to hear.

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:14:49 GMT

Stop guessing what your community wants to hear.

In political campaigning, relying on what a union "thinks" moves the needle is like navigating with a hand-drawn map from the 1700s. It’s based on assumptions, outdated anecdotes, and a fair amount of guesswork.

At Modern Cartographers, we trade the old maps for modern ones. We use the political equivalent of GPS and LIDAR: real-time, real-world data: to identify the exact messages that resonate with voters.

Public safety unions often fall into the trap of talking to themselves. We help you talk to the public. By analyzing shifting demographics and community sentiment, we chart a clear course from Point A to Point B: electing candidates who prioritize public safety and passing the measures that sustain our first responders.

Don’t leave your next campaign to chance. Use data to find what actually moves the needle and ensures your voice is heard where it matters most.

Ready to map your road to victory? Let’s build your modern strategy today .

Recruitment bonuses are a bandage, not a cure.

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:12:41 GMT

Recruitment bonuses are a bandage, not a cure.

A sign-on bonus might get someone through the door, but it won’t keep them in the seat. In public safety, we’re seeing a massive push for these one-time incentives to fill vacancies. While they make for great headlines, they rarely solve the underlying issue of long-term workforce stability.

True success isn’t just about the 'hire.' It’s about the 'stay.'

Shifting the focus from one-time bonuses to comprehensive career security and retention strategy is how we build resilient communities. It requires a data-driven approach that pushes back on outdated assumptions and maps a new road to victory for our public safety unions and associations.

At Modern Cartographers, we specialize in helping organizations navigate these complex landscapes. We don’t just fill seats; we help you create a 'future-proof' campaign system that values experience and institutional knowledge.

Retention is the real recruitment. Let’s map out your strategy for 2026 and beyond.

Reach out to us directly for a custom strategy session .

Message discipline and data cut through 2028 noise

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:03:53 GMT

ARE YOU READY TODAY?

2026 is shaping up to be the loudest political environment in recent memory. The campaigns that break through won’t be the ones that shout louder: they’ll be the ones that stay tighter.

And 2026...is just the preamble for 2028 where the lessons of today's message discipline and data will lay the foundation for the next presidential cycle.

For public safety candidates and advocacy organizations, the advantage comes starts now and it builds from from two critical things:

1) Message discipline
One core narrative. A small set of proof points. Repetition that builds trust: across earned media, mail, digital, and the door.

2) Data-driven targeting
Stop broadcasting. Start prioritizing: persuadables, base turnout, and coalition expansion: each with creative, channels, and frequency designed for how people actually consume information now.

If your plan today still treats “digital” as a bolt-on, or assumes voters are paying full attention, it’s time to modernize the system.

If you’re a public safety campaign, union, or advocacy group and want a rapid strategy session on message architecture + targeting, let’s talk.

Braden Frame
braden@moderncartographers.com

2026 is closer than you think

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:01:04 GMT

2026 is closer than you think: and the campaigns that win won’t be the ones that “start early.” They’ll be the ones that build systems early.

A future‑proof campaign system is less about one big plan and more about repeatable discipline:

1) Early planning that locks strategy before chaos shows up
2) Timeline discipline (field, coalition, message, budget) so nothing is improvised late
3) Data readiness: clean inputs, clear KPIs, fast learning loops
4) Digital readiness: full‑funnel content, rapid response workflows, scalable list growth

If you’re running in 2026 (or supporting someone who is), now is the moment to get the foundation right.

Let’s map your 2026 system: strategy, data, and digital: so execution is predictable.

Braden Frame
braden@moderncartographers.com

Shaping Tomorrow's Campaigns

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:50:16 GMT

This image was generated by AI...and images like this are changing the landscape of tomorrow's campaigns...today.

AI and data-driven strategies are fundamentally redefining the landscape of political campaigns in 2026. With real-time insights and hyper-targeted messaging, campaigns can connect with communities more authentically and respond to shifting dynamics faster than ever before.

The days of one-size-fits-all approaches are behind us. Today’s technology empowers political leaders and organizations to make informed decisions, map out strategic pathways, and engage supporters where it matters most: all while accounting for emerging trends and local nuances.

At Modern Cartographers, we believe the future of campaigning is adaptive, precise, and deeply connected to the people it aims to serve. Technology is only as powerful as the strategy behind it, and we’re proud to help shape the next generation of winning campaigns.

Don't get left behind.

Powering Up Your Lobbying Efforts with a Dash of Wit and Wisdom from Modern Cartographers

braden@moderncartographers.com (Braden Frame) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 18:41:11 GMT

Powering Your Lobbying Efforts: Harnessing Engagement, Data, and Collaboration

In today's political landscape, engaging your base, leveraging data, and collaborating with lobbyists are crucial factors for successful legislative efforts. This Cartographers Journal post delves into the importance of each aspect and how combining them can make a real impact on your organization's objectives.

Engaging Your Base and Making It Count

The first aspect to consider is engaging your base and getting support for your issues. It's not just about blasting emails or running digital ads; the key is having meaningful conversations with your voters and getting them to care enough to take action. This is where tools and strategies provided by organizations like Modern Cartographers come into play, ensuring that your message resonates with your audience and leads to tangible results.

Creating hyper-localized campaigns that directly address voters' concerns is an effective approach. By showing how the issues affect them personally, you can connect with your voters on a deeper level. Once you've engaged your base, you can mobilize them to apply pressure on the other side, ultimately leveling the playing field.

Data, Relationships, and Building Momentum

Next up is the importance of data. Leveraging data effectively can make a significant difference in your political campaigns. A recent project showcased how organizations can use data to drive successful campaigns that kill harmful bills. By saving the data from the thousands of people who took action, our client organization managed to create a similarly successful campaign the following year, re-engaging the voters who we knew supported our position and issues for pennies on the dollar compared to usual new voter engagement acquisition costs.

However, it's essential not to overuse the data or bombard your audience with repetitive messages. Instead, the focus should be on having conversations and building relationships with your voters. Save those valuable interactions for moments when they're genuinely needed, such as when there's a significant issue or candidate that requires their support.

Digging Deeper and Working with Lobbyists

After discussing the importance of engaging your base and leveraging data, it's time to explore how to work effectively with lobbyists. Some legislative victories have been achieved through luck, but relying on luck isn't sustainable. To truly make a difference, organizations must dig deeper and actively collaborate with their local state and federal legislature. The tools and strategies we offer can help amplify your messages and make their efforts in the Capital more effective.

It's crucial to understand that our services are not about taking your lobbyists' jobs but instead supporting them in their work. By providing your lobbyists with additional firepower in the form of informed, engaged constituents, organizations can significantly enhance their lobbying efforts.

When lobbyists walk into a legislator's office, knowing that thousands of emails and phone calls from actual voters in the district back them, they have a powerful advantage. This support makes it much easier to have tough conversations and make demands on behalf of the members we represent.

The Modern Cartographers do offer local, state, and federal lobbying services, but we also partner with your local lobbyists; combining forces and activating your base is an effective way to tackle challenges ahead, such as attacks on pensions, healthcare, and qualified immunity. When we work together with lobbyists and provide them with the necessary tools and resources, the outcomes tend to be much more favorable for public safety.

It's essential to remember that building relationships with your voters, leveraging data effectively, and working with the legislature are all part of a winning formula for achieving political success.

Facebook and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Boost

braden@moderncartographers.com (Braden Frame) — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:37:30 GMT

Why Boosting Posts on Facebook is a Waste of Money for Political Campaigns and Advertisers

Boosting posts on Facebook has become a popular marketing tool for political campaigns. But is it really worth the investment? Spoiler alert: the answer is no. In fact, Facebook's boost feature is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad way to spend your money.

Let's start by understanding the limitations of the Facebook boost feature. When you boost a post, you are essentially paying Facebook to show your content to a wider audience. However, Facebook's algorithms prioritize content that is engaging and relevant to users. Boosted posts are often seen as less authentic and less engaging than organic content, which means that they are less likely to be shown to users who would actually be interested in the content and are alternatively just shown to anyone Facebook can find. This audience is usually not highly targeted by other advertising groups for a reason. This limitation is especially detrimental to political campaigns, as the goal is to create authentic and engaging content that resonates with voters.

Boosted posts can also harm a political campaign's long term organic reach. Facebook's algorithm takes into account the engagement levels of your content when deciding how often to show it to users. If your boosted post receives low engagement, Facebook may see your campaign’s entire page as less relevant and engaging, leading to a decrease in organic reach for future posts.

But wait, there's more. Boosting posts can be a total waste of money when it comes to targeting specific audiences. While Facebook allows you to choose certain demographics, interests, and behaviors for your boosted post, these options are limited compared to the advanced targeting options available through Facebook Ads Manager. By showing the message to the wrong people, the campaign is not only wasting money but also failing to reach the correct intended audience of registered voters.

The Modern Cartographers do not boost posts.

Free of the limitations of Facebook’s targeting, we utilize high quality data files to build high propensity audiences of registered voters and upload custom audiences within Facebook. The custom audience match ensures that our campaigns are delivered only to likely registered voters in the district, city, or ward.

Save your campaign resources.

Engage the right voters.

Win your elections.

By avoiding the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Facebook Boost.

The Case for Mail Free Campaigns

braden@moderncartographers.com (Braden Frame) — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:03:02 GMT

The Case for Mail Free Campaigns

Political mail, or direct mail campaigns, has long been a well-liked tactic for political operatives, consultants, and candidates. But the effectiveness of political mail in influencing modern voters, especially younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z, has rightfully come under increasing scrutiny in recent elections.

Younger people are said to be less responsive to political mail since they are more technologically adept and far more reliant on the internet, social media, and their cell phones for information. In fact, according to more recent surveys, nearly all voters are more likely to obtain their political news through internet sources and social media than via traditional mail.

As political mail is usually one of the most expensive forms of political advertising, it must be well-targeted and highly specific if it is to be cost-effective in any sized campaign.

Campaigns and candidates must pre-pay the costs of printing, postage, and handing, often weeks before the mailer drop date, to secure printer press time during a busy political season. This pre-payment, pre-order system denies modern campaigns of the dynamic, often daily, re-targeting and hashing of the targeted voter audience.

Digital communication techniques, on the other hand, are more economical and successful, especially when trying to reach younger voters.

There is growing concern over how direct mail campaigns affect the environment. Campaigns and consultants that rely mainly on physical mail may be seen as wasteful or out of touch by younger, more environmentally sensitive generations.

While political mail may still be a useful technique for influencing specific voter demographics, especially older voters who could be less prone to use internet communication, it's crucial to analyze the electorate and issue first to avoid a costly one-size-fits-all approach.

The Modern Cartographers have been pioneering “mail-free, all-digital” campaigns for years. We have adopted leading-edge technologies and tactics to rewrite the maps for your political goals. Reach out and schedule a custom strategy session today to see if our modern approach can help you win without direct mail's expensive and ineffective cost.