Welcome to Nuts & Bolts , a guide to Democratic campaigns. I’ve helped write this series for years, using information from campaign managers, finance directors, field directors, trainers, and staff, responding to questions from Daily Kos Community and Staff members, and addressing issues that are sent to me via kosmail through Daily Kos.
A few years ago, I wrote a diary in this series about the absolute requirements I place around running a strong canvass. You can read them here, and I strongly urge you to do so if you are running any level of a campaign. These rules have been tested and worked on with others, developed in the field, and in comparison to some of the methodologies I see thrown out there, I can tell you the guidelines above show exactly how a real canvass should be run at the most basic level. Once you’ve gotten past that, we have to update some guidelines with responses to new voter restrictions and problems Republicans have tossed at us, so let’s talk about how to take tried and tested guidelines and add a few new wrinkles.
In the guide I put forward all the way back in 2016, I noted we have to do better about how we present ourselves to potential voters. The voting base, however, changes, and how we reach them changes, too! All of the advice present in that article still applies perfectly today, but over the years we’ve also added a few new items that change the rules.
Don’t assume people are only home after hours
Post COVID, more and more Americans are working at home, and they work at hours that provide more opportunities for you to reach voters. Some of the traditional rules apply: Once it is dark, get your canvassers off the streets for both their safety and because voters don’t like being disturbed in their homes at night.
As more voters are at home during the day, even working at home, the more they might be available for a quick contact and update to make sure your campaign has more opportunities. Daytime also provides you access to a different volunteer base. Make use of any advantage you can!
No, don’t vape. Period.
In my prior guide, I noted exactly why eating, drinking or smoking were things you needed to avoid while you were out on canvass. This should be no surprise, but vaping falls right into that category. The original guide I offered provided instructions that people should not smoke or chew tobacco products while going out on a canvass. Recently, more canvassers view the concept of vaping as “different” and that they can quickly put out a vaping product by storing it before they go to the door. Quick answer: no. Many voters will not appreciate you vaping near their property or outside their door. Others may find the smell offensive.
If you’re going out canvassing, take the day off at least while you are walking the paths, and wait until you are done. People around you will appreciate it, and it will help your canvass.
Your digital device can’t occupy all your time
Make eye contact! If you are constantly staring down at your phone for MobileVan or any data entry product, it is hard to relate to the voter and to get their trust to gain the information you need. You aren’t there just to encourage them to vote, your identification of who they are can mean a lot to your campaign and future campaigns.
Staring down constantly? It removes you from communicating with the person you are specifically there to visit. Close down your games. Remove your AirPods or any headphones. Be focused on the voter and their responses. The fewer distractions, the better your canvass will perform!
If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these articles:
The Guide to Effective Canvass
Yes, there can be bad canvass