Canvassing Tips

Generic script #

This is a bit better opening than the one given to me by my Madtown O's

Introduction #

Greet the person warmly. #

"Hello! How are you today?"

Introduce yourself and the campaign. #

"My name is [Your Name], and I’m volunteering with [Candidate's Name]'s presidential campaign. We’re out today talking to voters about the upcoming election. Do you have a few minutes to chat?"

Engage with the Voter #

Ask if they’re familiar with the candidate. #

"Are you familiar with [Candidate's Name]?"
    If yes: "Great! What do you think about the campaign so far?"
    If no or unsure: "No worries! I’d love to share a little about [Candidate's Name] and why we believe [he/she/they] is the right choice for president."

Briefly highlight the candidate’s key messages. #

"One of the reasons I support [Candidate's Name] is because [he/she/they] are fighting for [policy 1, e.g., healthcare reform, job creation, climate action]. [Candidate's Name] also stands for [policy 2, e.g., affordable education, protecting voting rights, etc.]. Do any of these issues resonate with you?"

Listen to Their Concerns #

Ask about issues they care about. #

"What are some of the issues that are most important to you this election?"

Acknowledge and align with their concerns. #

"That’s such an important issue. [Candidate's Name] is really focused on [related policy], and [he/she/they] have a detailed plan to address that by [mention a relevant policy action]."

Call to Action #

Ask for their support. #

"Can we count on your support for [Candidate's Name] in the upcoming election?"
    If yes: "That’s wonderful! Every vote is critical this year, and we really appreciate your support."
    If unsure: "I understand it’s a big decision. If you’d like more information, I can provide you with a website where you can learn more about [Candidate's Name] and the campaign."
    If no: "Thank you for your time! I really appreciate hearing your perspective."

Encourage further involvement. #

"We’re also looking for more people to join us in getting the word out. Would you be interested in volunteering or helping spread the word about [Candidate's Name]?"

Remind them about voting. #

"Will you be voting in the upcoming election? If you need any information about where or how to vote, I’d be happy to help with that too."

Closing #

Thank them for their time. #

"Thanks so much for your time today. I hope you have a great day, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions about [Candidate's Name]."

Video 1 #

Title: Canvassing Training Video by Seasoned Media Vets for Change
Time: 5:49
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ogRCE3c47w

Door #

Put yourself in their shoes.
Your not here to sell a product your here because of an important election, because of what's at stake. Why their vote is important. How to get their vote counted.

Charmingly disarming: #

Hi are you David Kaplan. I'm Kate McNeil , (by the way you have a really nice garden)...

Get right to it #

Identify what you represent and why you're out here #

I'm out here talking to our neighbors to see if we can get their support for _______ in November.

Eyes #

Don't look at anything except them: no script, no phone.

Invite and have a conversation. Engage them before touching any points. #

...I totally see that and I feel a lot of that too. That's why I'm volunteering - because she is in favor of ...

Close the deal - When you see the nod of understanding #

Can I get you to register by mail? If you vote by mail you can drop it off, and skip the line.

It's been nice to meet you. Hey would you like a lawn sign?

Notes from video 2 #

Title: Canvassing 101 - Learn How to Knock Doors
Time: 13:36
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LfJgp227Kc
Link: https://www.buildingbridgesforamerica.com/how-to-canvass

Door 1 #

Amiable, but uncommitted door
Hi are you Lauren? My name is Julia, I'm a volunteer for Pete for America. And we're out here talking to voters today,
SINCE THE ELECTION IS ON MARCH 3RD.
Q: Have you thought much about who you're going to be voting for?
(a little bit, yeah)
Have you been watching the debates?
(no)
Totally understand.
So, can I ask you what some of your top values as a voter?
(1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)
Canvasser stays totally listen, zero verbal response, intense listen only mode.
Theres heavy stuff, now, absolutely.
So, one of the pieces is I teach High School and what brought me to Pete is
. . .
(response)
So I will encourage you to vote.

Experience #

2004 for John Kerry 2 days
2024 for Biden/Harris 8 days

Others #

• Deep Canvassing Helped Elect Democrat Max Rose in Staten Island | NowThis
• A dying breed: John Harris goes canvasing with Labour
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT17LbjwlSc Why We Canvass

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