Two years ago, I was recovering from cardiac surgery, wondering if I had enough life insurance, and frustrated that my doctors wouldn't let me canvass for Barack Obama. I had canvassed in four presidential and six midterm elections in the past. Canvassing was how I felt I can best contribute.
So out of frustration, I wrote a diary, "My Foolproof Tips for Canvassing," which got a lot of clicks and comments. I have even found that it that diary has since been co-opted by Tea Partiers, but they’re quick to delete the tips that don’t jibe with their program.
You might have heard many of these suggestions from field coordinators already; OFA has some savvy field ops. I've also added suggestions made by others in my previous diary.
I'm republishing an updated list of tips below, but before I do, this I have to say: I am doing much better now, thank you. And I am Fired Up! There's no Enthusiasm Gap here; my heart (figuratively and literally) is in this election. I'm going to canvass like it's 2008!
Who's with me?
- Work in pairs, or better yet work in teams with people of various ages. Split up the canvassing list by age, if possible. People being canvassed respond much better to their age peers. The Young Voters Project did a study and found that voters under 29 years of age respond better after being canvassed by someone in the same age group. I have always imagined that this theory works with all age groups.
- Plan your walk in advance. Be sure that all of the street names appear on your maps before you set out and that your canvassing areas are grouped into tight geographic areas. And be aware that winding streets often indicate hilly terrain.
- Wear rubber-soled shoes, particularly running or walking shoes. Your feet will thank you.
- Assume it will rain. Have an umbrella, boots, and a raincoat in your car. Also, an extra pair of socks helps keep your feet dry in all types of weather. It doesn't hurt to bring Band-Aids, foot powder, and bunion pads, either.
- Identify a place to use the bathroom such as a local gas station, diner, or store. Never ask to use the bathroom in the home of someone that you are canvassing.
- Bring a few dog treats. Use them only if a seemingly menacing dog comes toward you. The treats are not bribes for other's pets, they're purely for self protection.
- Two rubber bands around the clipboard can hold enough campaign literature for 10-15 houses, so you only have to restock a few times during your canvassing.
- Shut off your cell phone (or put it on vibrate). A ringing cell phone is turns people off, whether or not you answer it.
- Don't jump to conclusions about potential supporters based on the house, the street, or the neighborhood.
- After ringing the bell or knocking on the door, take a giant step back. A stranger standing too close to the door when it opens can be off-putting to the person opening it. Stand with your body angled somewhat to the side to come across as non-confrontational. Don't use the clipboard as a barrier between you and the person you're speaking with; hold it to your side.
- Smile. Smile even if you're getting a tongue lashing.
- If you do get yelled at, have an affirmation ready for you to read or recite to yourself that reminds you that you're working to save your town/state/country/world including those that are angered by you. It will get you back into the right mindset before you get to the next house.
- Get your information out quickly. Practice using the "who, where, what, and why" format. "Who" is you and "where" is where you are from or what group you represent (this is very important and puts people at ease when they know why a stranger is at their door). "What" is that you're canvassing for Candidate X. "Why" is when you give them your pitch on why they should vote for Candidate X.
- Talk about the issues until you identify a "hot button" issue with that voter. Many times, they'll tell you what concerns them, but often, you'll have to pick up facial cues like a furrowed brow or a nod. Continue to talk about this particular issue. If you can't identify which issues are important to them, don't be afraid to ask.
- Try to reach an agreement on an issue with the potential voter. No matter where people may fall on the political spectrum, it is not difficult to find common ground. Once you do, highlight that you're in agreement with them. Use phrases like, "I hear you," "that's a problem, don't you think?" or "so we both think we'd better off with...." to establish that you're in agreement. Once you've established this common ground, talk about Candidate X's stance on this issue and how it's applicable.
- Don't talk about your pet issues. Talk with the potential supporter about their important issues. Also, don't offer up your personal theories on issues. Stick with Candidate X's platform.
- Always ask potential supporters if they have any questions or anything that they'd like to share with you. Demonstrating that you care about someone's thoughts is more effective at swaying voters than reciting the virtues of your politician. In addition, you're likely to get some background on the area that you're in, so that you can better identify with other people that you canvass. For example, you're likely to find out that a school has cut programs, the river is polluted, or the axle plant closed. So, these very local issues give you another opportunity to fine tune your message to either education, the environment, or the economy, respectively.
- Compliment people on their house/porch/dog/flowers/tree/sweater/car. Flattery will get you places.
- Tell everyone that you've canvassed that you appreciate their taking time to talk to you and that you enjoyed talking to them.
- Take scheduled breaks with other canvassers and share your experiences. Just as you become better at canvassing after your first several houses, you'll become even better after you find what your colleagues have learned. And change those sweaty socks while you're at it.