How to win votes and influence people will be first on the minds of some 85 individuals gathering at UC Davis July 16-19. The university's 14th annual Political Campaign Management Institute will draw political hopefuls and campaign workers -- from volunteers to managers -- to learn from a faculty of campaign veterans, political and fund-raising consultants, and members of the media. "Individuals can make a difference in our democratic process through active involvement in campaigns," says Edmond Costantini, a UC Davis professor emeritus of political science and the institute's program adviser. "The institute is predicated on the idea that effective campaigns, however, do require strategic thinking, careful planning and intelligent allocation of resources." More than 15 sessions will explore topics ranging from developing volunteers at the grassroots level to raising funds, and from analyzing precincts to creating messages for the media. Two daylong workshops on Thursday, July 16, will focus on planning a campaign for a local ballot measure or for a local, nonpartisan candidate. Kathleen Frankovic, who is responsible for the design, analysis and broadcast of CBS News' polls, will speak on "The Mood of the Electorate" at a 6 p.m. dinner Friday, July 17. Among the institute's faculty is Ray McNally of the public affairs firm McNally Temple Associates in Sacramento. An alumnus of UC Davis, he will discuss the impact of open primaries on campaign communications strategy at a 12:15 p.m. lunch Saturday, July 18. All institute activities will take place at the University Club on campus. Contact University Extension at (530) 757-8643 to register by July 10.