Application Guide
How to Apply for KIP Spring 2027 - Policy Team Intern - Ballotpedia
at Standtogether
🏢 About Standtogether
Ballotpedia is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a mission to close the ballot information gap by providing accurate, relevant, and reliable information about politics, elections, and public policy. As part of Stand Together Fellowships, it offers a unique opportunity to work in a mission-driven environment that values innovation, humility, hunger, structure-first approaches, and understanding diverse perspectives. Working here means contributing to a trusted resource that helps millions of Americans make informed decisions.
About This Role
As a Policy Team intern, you will be embedded in the Content Department and work directly with full-time staff writers and researchers on Ballotpedia's public policy coverage. You will research and write about key policy arguments, reform proposals, legislation, regulations, case law, and state surveys, while assisting with news tracking and primary source monitoring. This role is impactful because you will help ensure that Americans have access to unbiased, comprehensive information on critical policy issues.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching a specific policy topic, writing and editing content for Ballotpedia's website, attending team meetings to discuss coverage priorities, and tracking legislation or news developments. You'll collaborate with full-time staff writers and researchers, receive feedback on your work, and contribute to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of Ballotpedia's policy information.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Standtogether Is Looking For
- Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex policy topics into clear, accessible content.
- Interest in public policy, politics, and elections, and a commitment to nonpartisan, accurate information.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail and adaptability to learn Ballotpedia's style guide and coding system for the website.
📝 Tips for Applying to Standtogether
Demonstrate your writing ability by including 1-2 writing samples that showcase your research and analysis on a policy topic.
Familiarize yourself with Ballotpedia's style guide and content approach, and mention in your application how you align with their mission and values.
Highlight any experience with policy research, legislative tracking, or data analysis, as these are directly relevant to the role.
Show your ability to work remotely by mentioning previous remote work or self-directed projects.
Express your interest in Ballotpedia's bias prevention efforts and how you would contribute to maintaining neutrality.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for Ballotpedia's mission to close the ballot information gap and provide unbiased policy information.", 'Specific examples of your research and writing skills, especially on policy-related topics.', "Your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new systems, such as Ballotpedia's coding and style guide.", "Your commitment to nonpartisanship and understanding diverse perspectives, aligning with Ballotpedia's values."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Ballotpedia's Policy Team pages to understand the breadth of topics they cover and their writing style.
- → Read about Stand Together Fellowships and their values to see how they align with your own.
- → Review Ballotpedia's bias prevention methods and their style guide to understand their editorial standards.
- → Look into recent policy issues covered by Ballotpedia to familiarize yourself with their content and approach.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Ballotpedia's mission or the Policy Team specifically.
- Failing to proofread writing samples, as attention to detail is critical for this role.
- Showing a lack of interest in nonpartisan work or expressing strong partisan views that could conflict with Ballotpedia's neutrality.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!