Canvassing for Kerry 101

This post is a basic "How To" guide for folks who are new to canvasing, or have thought about doing it but are nervous about it.  

While this is for Kerry, I'm sure that it's 95+% similar to canvassing for any other candidate.  The rap is assuming that you're canvassing registered independents, or people of unknown leanings.  Obviously it changes if you have more information about them.

Canvassing in general is substantially more effective than phone banking:  you reach probably twice as many people per hour, and typically get to talk to around 30-40% of the people on your list, as opposed to calling in which you talk to maybe 10-15% on the list  (and many people on a phone list will never ever be reached because they screen their calls and/or have cell phones).  It's also easier to register people to vote, and persuasion is much more effective when you're there in person.  So I urge you to give it a go!

Background:  I'm not a professional, but I've been going up to NH for Kerry every few weeks since late April, and was in OH for 10 days in late August, as well as helping the occasional local candidate.

General pointers:

• Unless you're in one of two states that don't do mail-in voter registration (NH is one, I forget the other.)  Have a few voter reg. forms and absentee ballot applications with you.  If the campaign doesn't give you one, ask.  You will encounter people who need these.

• Don't stick too closely to the script.  You'll do nothing but annoy people if you sound like you're reading or reciting someting you memorized.

• Along similar lines, speak to whoever opens the door, assuming they're voting age.  Then if they're for Kerry or undecided ask if they know about others in their house.  Identifying everyone in the house means we don't have to contact them again.

• Stand back a little bit from the door, don't get in people's personal space.

• Dress comfortably, but not too casually.  Wearing something patriotic is always nice.  (This spring I bought a shirt with a big American flag that says "This is your flag.  Be PROUD of it." which I wear while canvassing.)  And of course keep a pleasant, friendly demeanor at all times.

As to what to say, Here's my rap, which I've found works pretty well.

"Hi. Name's Kevin, and I'm volunteering today for John Kerry and John Edwards.  Have you decided whom you're supporting in November?"
[If they're for Kerry.]
"Great!  Can I confirm that you're so-and-so?  (= the name on the canvass list.  This is important; depending on the neighborhood, 10-50% of people have moved and you may be talking to someone completely new.) Do you know if anyone else here is for Kerry?"
"Is there anything we can do for you?  Are you all registered to vote?  Do you need an absentee ballot, bumper sticker?"  Give them a piece of literature as well.

I also ask if they want to volunteer, but only if they seem really enthusiastic.

[If they're undecided.]
"Are there any issues which you're particularly concerned about?"  (I then try to outline the Kerry plan.)  I also give them a flyer and urge them to go to JohnKerry.com.  "...which has a lot more information than you'll see on those 30-second ads."

[If they're for Bush.]
"OK.  Thank you."  (Leave.)

Do the paperwork after talking with someone, rather than during the conversation.  Unless of course you need to write down the name of a new supporter who isn't on your list.

In general, most people don't want to talk for very long, but if someone does, go ahead and spend 10-15 mintues chatting.  Really listen to them, and don't be pushy.  That's how you nail down a vote.  But don't waste your time debating some wingnut.

One last point:  people seems to vary wildly in what they like and don't like to do.  For example, I love canvassing, don't mind data entry, and despise phone banking.  I've met others who love working the phones, but would never want to canvass.  In other words, go help, but by all means speak up and let the campaigns know what you prefer to do!  Odds are you can do just as much good in whatever it is you most enjoy doing, and if you're not hating it you're more likely to do more.

Hope this helps!