There was a great diary on why we canvass. It's still available, I'd suggest you read through it here. In this comments, I pointed out that the art of a real canvass is becoming lost.
So, are you thinking about joining a canvass? Want to help your candidate? Want a crash course on what makes a good canvass? Read on.
The Basics - Before we get started, I'm going to go through the basic rules. These are the things you should keep in mind before you start:
Dress appropriately. Clothing must be clean and neat.
• No t-shirts with slogans or pictures.
• Your clothing may not be torn or have excessive stains.
• No open-toed or sling back shoes. Since you’ll be walking in weather, we suggest comfortable, close-fitting shoes be worn with socks.
• Excessive tattooing must be covered
• Nose, lip, and other excessive piercings must be removed or replaced with clear or unobtrusive studs.
• Canvassers who do not follow these guidelines will not be permitted to work!
Carry:
o Two or three pens
o Advance ballot applications
o Voter registration cards
o Palm cards
o Plenty of water
o We also suggest you have sunscreen and insect repellant.
o Many canvassers like to have a small backpack.
Cell phone and music player policy:
o Phones must be set on silent or vibrate
o Do not wear headphones.
o Do not engage in phone conversations while on a voter’s doorstep or property
o Music devices may not be used while canvassing, even when walking between houses
Literature:
o You may distribute ONLY literature that has been approved by the candidate campaign.
o You may not distribute any other literature that is not approved by the campaign.
o You may not distribute self-created literature.
Daily Routine:
• Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled canvass time.
• If you are driving other canvassers to a canvassing location, do not move your vehicle from one parking place to another unless all canvassers who rode with you know where you will be, and when you will be there.
• Plan on spending 10 minutes after your canvass to turn in paperwork and canvass counts.
Do not misrepresent your employer. You work for the candidate campaign, not any other group.
Always be polite. NEVER argue with a voter!
Never leave literature in mailboxes. It’s a violation of Federal law.
Always use sidewalks or paths. Do not cut across lawns.
Respect “No Trespassing” signs, but ignore “No Soliciting” signs. You are not attempting to sell at cost.
It’s ok to say “I don’t know.” If you don’t know the answer a question, don’t make one up.
Never accept donations. Refer all donors to the campaign.
Legal behavior is paramount. Never break the law while canvassing.
DELIVER COMPLETED VOTER REGISTRATION AND ADVANCE BALLOT APPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY. Never alter these documents after the signature has been placed. Destruction of these forms, once signed, is illegal. Even if you know information is missing or wrong, you are required by law to turn them in.
Answer all voting inquiries truthfully.
Never speak with any media. Refer any media inquiries to the canvass director.
Confidentiality is always expected.
Immediately notify the candidate campaign of any urgencies or problem. In the case of an emergency call 911.
With the Basics out of the way, let's move on to the real:
(Knock or ring the doorbell, then step back from the door one full arms-length. Standing right up by the door is unfriendly and intimidating. When the door is answered, introduce yourself while holding out a palmcard for the voter to take).
Hi, I’m (your name), with Representative John Smith's campaign. We’re talking to voters in the area today to find out how you feel about a few issues. Here’s some information about Jane Smith.
(hand them the palm card).
(Try to identify the person answering the door. The walksheet has every registered voter living at the address. Sometimes it’s obvious which voter you’re talking to, sometimes not).
I just have a couple of questions. (Do NOT pause here or ask the voter for permission to ask questions!) What do you think is the MOST important issue facing our state and nation?
(If the voter can’t decide, encourage them to pick more than one, but no more than two or three)
Do you usually vote Democratic, Republican, or do you like to split your votes between parties?
(If never votes Democratic, do not spend any more time at the door): Thank you very much for your time, have a great day!
(If always or usually votes Democratic, splits their ticket, or “votes for the person”): That’s great.
(if a Democrat) Like yourself, Jane Smith is a Democrat.
(Everyone) Jane Smith is (Fact). Jane Smith accomplished (XYZ).
She’s running for re-election this year, and would like your vote in November. Will you be voting this year?
(If yes): Thank you! If you’d like, I can get you signed up to vote by mail/make sure you get to the polls/provide you voting information (whatever your state method is).
(Verify the voter’s phone number; ask for a current one if blank. Also ask the voter if they’d like to go on Jane Smith's email list – if so, get their email address)
(If at any time the voter starts asking questions you don’t know the answer to, point out Jane Smith’s contact information on the palmcard. Let the voter know they can call anytime).
(If resident is not on the walklist): “It doesn’t look like you’re registered to vote at this address… Can we register you today?”
(if Yes, help them fill out a Voter Registration form; if no, “Thanks, and have a nice day!”)
Thank you very much for your time and support! Feel free to contact us any time with questions or comments.
Do not rush through a door. Be friendly and polite. If no one is home, MOVE ON. Mark it on your list. Don't try to go back and pick up doors you miss - they can be covered in a recanvass of the district easier than trying to go back and pickup stragglers. Remember, too, that literature drop can be effective -but again NEVER leave literature in someone's mailbox. Insert into a door, at the doorstop, whatever, but NEVER put anything in someone's mailbox.. it's a federal offense.
There are the three big rules to a canvass:
The first rule of a good canvass is simple: A palm card is your way to start a discussion. If you hold it out to someone, their natural reaction is to take it. Overly wordy or ambiguous palm cards destroy the entire purpose.
Second rule is make sure your canvassers stay as positive as possible and that the know how to collect data.
Third rule is do not start with a question. Canvass that begin with "can I tell you about.." are easy to shut down. Start with "let me tell you about X" If they accepted the card, you've generally got about 30 to 60 seconds to make a case.
It's crunch time, folks, let's make the best of Canvass. I'll try to answer comments below, and we can talk about everything from different technology involved in canvass (and why I'm not a fan) to some of the best and worst canvass volunteers I've seen.. and what made them good at what they did.
Turning voters out is important. Smile, be friendly, and get out there. If you really want to make a difference, this is a big part of it.