Do you have a minute?
Knocking on a stranger’s door to talk to them about a political issue can be scary. But these types of conversations, face-to-face and human-to-human, are some of the most effective ways to reach voters and make change.
You’ll receive training before you go canvassing door-to-door, so please don’t feel like you have to learn everything from this blog post! But if you’re getting ready to go out, or are wondering whether you should sign up to go canvassing, hopefully this will help you mentally prepare for that experience!
The most critical element of door-to-door canvassing is the ability to have a conversation, rather than a debate, with the voter you’re talking to. This is a more advanced skill than a typical first-time canvasser might have, which is why it’s important to think about it before you go out with the canvassing team.
Luckily, there’s a science to having an effective canvassing conversation, whether you’re doing voter identification (gathering data on how a voter intends to vote), voter persuasion (working to understand why a voter feels a certain way and working to change those feelings), or get-out-the-vote canvassing, which focuses on helping voters make a specific plan to go to the polls. Here are some tips that might help!
1. Know Your Script, But Be Natural
Familiarize yourself with the campaign talking points, but allow for natural conversation. It’s okay to trip over your words a bit, because it will make you sound more human! Use the script as a guide, then allow the conversation to shape around the voter’s response.
2. Research the Neighborhood
Familiarize yourself with the area. Know key issues this specific community cares about, so you can better connect with them. For example, is this a neighborhood affected by rising property taxes or environmental concerns? Or is a local elementary school slated for closure, resulting in children having to ride the bus instead of walk to school? Be prepared to speak to the unique considerations of the community, and how they intersect with the issue or candidate you’re representing.
3. Use Active Listening
Ask open-ended questions to engage voters. For example, ask them about the issues that matter most to them, then connect those to the campaign you’re representing.
Listen to their concerns and respond respectfully, even if you disagree with them. Lean into disagreement, showing genuine curiosity and interest in the voter’s perspective. You don’t need to argue point-by-point; people are more likely to listen to you when they feel heard by you.
4. Prepare for Connection (and Rejection)
Most canvassers are surprised by how friendly strangers can be. Contrary to what the internet tells us, the vast majority of people want to connect, even with people who are very different from them. That is especially true when the person they’re talking to is open to their experiences and viewpoints. Yes, some people will be uninterested or even hostile. You’re not expected to talk to anyone who doesn’t want to talk to you. Thank them for their time and leave.
5. Be Prepared for Common Questions
Familiarize yourself with hot-button issues and the common myths votes might associate with them. Remember that the average voter probably doesn’t believe the same things you do, or even hold the same values you do. Be prepared to talk about those issues in a calm way, even if you start to feel yourself getting a bit stressed. Voters often ask about key topics like healthcare, taxes, and education, so be ready to respond confidently.
If you don’t know the answer, be honest and offer to follow up with accurate information.
6. Encourage Voting Participation
In addition to promoting your candidate or issue, stress the importance of voter turnout. Make sure they know how, where, and when to vote, especially if there are changes in voting procedures.
7. Stay Positive and Energetic
Door knocking can be exhausting, but your energy and enthusiasm can influence voters. Smile, be polite, and show passion for the cause you’re advocating for.
8. Follow Up
If possible, let the campaign know which voters need follow-up. They may already have systems in place to follow up, or you might be able to take on those tasks (if you feel comfortable and have a way of doing it that doesn’t share your personal information with voters). If you do follow up with individual voters, be sure to let them know you appreciated their time and address any concerns they had.