Committee on Political Education (COPE)
Endorsement Process
Endorsement Steps
Candidates seeking the endorsement of the Inland Empire Labor Council must complete all steps of the endorsement process to qualify for the IELC COPE Endorsement. Please email ielccope@ielabor.org for any questions.
1. Academy
The candidate academy is designed to familiarize candidates with the political and policy priorities of working families in the Inland Empire. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about pressing issues from union leaders, rank-and-file members and community leaders. Candidates who have previously attended the IELC COPE’s Candidate Academy do not have to attend again.
*All Candidates must attend one Academy Session*
2. Questionnaire
The second step of our endorsement process is our Candidate Questionnaire. This questionnaire helps union members understand your posture on labor issues and get to know you better. This questionnaire is sent to you after you fill out endorsement interest form.
3. Interviews
After completing the COPE candidate questionnaire, you will be interviewed by the COPE Interviewing Committee. After the interview process, an endorsement recommendation will be made by a two-thirds vote of the COPE Interviewing Committee.
4. Endorsement
Recommended candidates will move on to be reviewed and voted on by both the Inland Empire Labor Council Executive Board and the delegate body. If a candidate receives at least two-thirds vote from both, they will receive an endorsement. Federal and State Candidates are recommended to the California Labor Federation for approval at the Endorsement Convention. Candidates will be notified when a final decision for endorsement is reached.
5. Campaigns
Once endorsements are finalized, COPE will mobilize union households to vote for our labor endorsed candidates. This may include print literature featuring our endorsements and stances, door-to-door education on issues for priority candidates, and encouraging union homes to vote on Election Day.
Apply for an IELC COPE Endorsement
We are no longer accepting endorsement interest forms for the November 2026 General Election.