Michael Simms: How to Canvass Door-to-Door

Speaking with voters face-to-face is one of the best ways to educate, persuade, and mobilize them to vote for a candidate or cause, making door-to-door canvassing an essential part of any political campaign. But it can be intimidating to talk to strangers on their doorsteps, especially in an emotionally charged political climate. 

That’s why canvassers should brush up on best practices before they start knocking on doors — so they can feel empowered, safe, and prepared to represent their cause or candidate well. 

Whether you’re an experienced campaign manager or a first-time canvassing volunteer, knowing a few basic principles can help you reach more voters while staying energized and safe.

What do you say when canvassing?

What you say when canvassing will vary depending on your organization’s campaign strategy, along with how close you are to Election Day. However, you’ll typically follow this general structure which many professionals call who/who/what/what. Who are you? Who is the candidate or organization you represent? What is your organization trying to accomplish? What do you want from the person you are speaking to?

To put it another way, you need to introduce yourself and the organization you’re working with; provide basic information about the campaign, such as the candidate’s background, policy positions, and platform; ask about the voter’s opinions and if you can count on their support; and thank the voter for talking to you.

Keep in mind that within these general principles, individual canvassers should follow the scripts that the campaign provides them. Campaign organizers develop canvassing scripts based on a specific strategy, and veering off script could jeopardize that strategy or be inconsistent with current campaign messaging. Work with your team. Don’t improvise a speech or go off on your own political agenda.

What should you wear when canvassing?

Every canvasser should dress comfortably but maintain a clean, professional appearance. Wear clothes and shoes you can easily walk in for several hours. For those who might be physically challenged, the campaign can provide you with a phone list so you can call voters instead of walking and knocking.

As an organizer, you might ask volunteers to wear specific campaign-branded items, such as a t-shirt, button, or hat for easier identification. This will ensure voters can quickly identify your campaign and canvassers can find each other if they have questions. Plus, establishing a “uniform” for canvassing will give volunteers clear direction for how to dress, which may put them more at ease if they’re new to canvassing.

How do you canvass safely?

It’s usually a good idea to canvas in teams of two, so you can watch out for each other, but there’s no substitute for commonsense. Stay hydrated. Rest as needed. Never enter a residence alone. Never get into debates or arguments with people. Stay calm. Pay attention to warning signals. Remember progressive agendas are controversial, and many people will not agree with what you are doing or saying. Don’t stay in an awkward situation. Don’t try to convince someone who is not open to your cause. If a situation seems weird or uncomfortable, leave immediately without explaining.

(During my many years of canvassing and field managing in various towns and cities, only once did anyone experience violence. A young canvasser was invited into a house alone to get a drink of water, and the owner of the house sexually assaulted her. With our organization’s support, she bravely filed charges, and the man was convicted.)

How do you canvas effectively?

An effective canvass is one that inspires the citizens of a neighborhood and then brings valuable information back to the campaign. Each canvass has specific goals, such as signatures for petitions, education of the public, voter identification, finding volunteers, notifying about events, or mobilizing supporters. Make sure you understand the goals of the canvass you’re participating in before going out on the streets, so you know how to canvass effectively.

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Michael Simms is the Founding Editor of Vox Populi. He has been a canvasser and field manager for many progressive causes and candidates including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. In 1988, Clean Water Action recognized him as one of the ten most effective field managers in the United States for his work on helping to pass legislation to protect the Chesapeake Bay.

This post has been adapted from various sources, including Clean Water Action and NGPvan and offered on an open license. Please copy and share widely.