Canvassing Guide

Talking directly to voters is the most effective way to get people to vote.
Use this guide to learn how.

Why Do We Canvass?

  • Get out the vote (especially EARLY)

  • Raise awareness/name recognition

  • Counteract misinformation

  • Help overcome obstacles to voting

  • Persuade voters toward our candidates

  • Learn the most important issues to discuss with voters

  • Enlist additional help (lawn signs, volunteers, etc.)

Preparing To Canvass

What to Bring

  • Comfortable clothing. (But usually no overt Democratic t-shirts — you may be talking to Independent voters.)

  • Good walking shoes + bandaids.  Waterproof hiking boots are better than rainboots if it’s wet.

  • Water/snacks

  • Fully charged phone with the MiniVan app installed (Download MiniVan for Android or MiniVan for IPhone.  Watch this 5 minute tutorial.)

  • Phone charger

  • External phone battery, if you have one

  • Hand sanitizer, sunscreen

  • Sunglasses (but take them off while talking!)

  • Download our energizing pro-Democrats playlist

  • Good attitude

Your Canvassing Day

  • Meet up at assigned location — candidate’s office or group headquarters

  • Orientation to the candidates — up and down the ballot, local issues, the neighborhood

  • Literature to drop

  • Walk List assigned

  • Read through script on MiniVan. Review talking points and make the script your own

  • Plan with your partner how you’ll tackle your list —where you’ll go first etc.

  • Head out in pairs or trios

  • Knock as many doors as you can 

  • Break when you need to

  • Gather at the end of the day to debrief

Be a detective!

When walking up to the door, look around. What do you notice in the environment that gives you a hint about the voter and the issues they might care about?

Family member in military?

They have kids (and dogs)

Fan of college sports team?

Religious

Steps for a Productive Conversation with a Voter

(Click on each item for details and examples.)

    • Trust your instincts —safety first.

    • DON'T walk on lawns.

    • Take off your sunglasses.

    • Knock or ring the bell, step back, and smile.

    • Avoid reading directly from a script on your phone.

    • Pay attention to who you are talking to and personalize!

    • Use information on your walk list (age, party preference). Confirm that you are talking to the voter on the list.

  • Tell them in your own words why you are there.

    “I’m a volunteer in the neighborhood hoping to hear from you and voters like you.” 

    Don't ask if they have time to talk with you.

    • Start right in with, “I will only take a minute of your time,” and then proceed to key concepts. If they aren’t receptive, play it by ear and try to make some key points. Give literature.

    If you encounter rude voters (rare)

    • Don’t let it discourage you or waste your time. Every canvasser at one point or another has had a difficult interaction, but they are rare.

    • If voter is clearly not going to vote Democratic, thank them for their time and move along.

  • Ask with empathy and interest.

    Sample Opening Questions to assess Key Voter Issues/Thoughts:

    • We’re interested in what voters are thinking. 

    • Wondering what thoughts you are having about our election?

    • What issues are important to you these days?

    • What keeps you up at night?

    • What things are on your mind these days?

    • Looks like you have children; is education important to you?

    • If you could change just one thing in your state, what would it be?

    Validate concerns: Use “Active Listening” and reflect back what you hear from the voter.  Use the 75/25% rule: Listen 75% of the time; talk 25% of the time.

    • I hear you.

    • I can definitely relate to that.

    • Tell me more about that.

    • Share a personal story, if fitting.

    Follow-up Questions

    • Have you been following the election?

    • Are you a pretty regular voter, or just sometimes?

  • Connecting the voter's top issues to the candidate's positions will help motivate the voter.

    • Emphasize how our candidate will address the voter's top concerns.

    • Use Candidate or Campaign Talking Points — but adapt to each voter.

  • Asking voters what their plan is for voting is one of the most effective ways to ensure they will actually follow through. And asking them to  be a voter is more effective than asking if they will vote.

    • If they don’t already have a plan, help them make it.

    Sample Questions on Getting Commitment

    • So have we got a deal then? (extend hand or elbow)

    • Can we count on you to join with us this year?

    • On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to be a voter?

    • Can we count on you to support ____?

    • If they are a supporter, ask them to volunteer, take a yard sign, or encourage their network to vote.

    Sample Questions on Enlisting Help or Reaching out to Others

    • Will you volunteer or take a yard sign?

    • Are there other people you can reach out to, to help us win?

    • Are there 3 friends and family you can reach out to, to help us win?

    • Does anyone you know need to be registered? Including those who have moved, including new neighbors who might support us?

Watch some successful examples of talking with voters in this video.

Want to learn more about talking with voters in a way that’s easy, relaxed, and fun? Check out our guide to talking with voters.