Do you want to support local political leadership that truly serves the needs of Carnegie residents?
Imagine the outcomes of local elections, and the impact on local politicians, if 100% of Carnegie Democrats were to register and vote in every election.
What better way to promote quality leadership with accountability to the voters?!
Volunteer Canvass Training – DO’s and DONT’s
DO’s for Canvassers:
Read the campaign material before you start. Understand the candidate’s positions on the major issues and his/her biography – prepare a cheat sheet?
Go only to houses on your list.
Dress appropriately – clean, neat and comfortable
Remove sunglasses and hats so they can see your face.
If you see a camera, smile at it!
Be polite, respectful and positive when engaging with voters.
Knock softly and stand back 6 feet or more
Make conversation about what you see on their porch, yard, etc. to make a connection. For example: “I see you have a kitty…”. “You are a gardener!” “Your yard is so tidy!”
Wear a Democratic Party button and a nametag
Introduce yourself as a neighbor and volunteer with the Carnegie Democratic Committee.
If you don’t know the answer to a question they have, don’t guess. Admit your aren’t sure and offer to phone or email them later with the correct information, or point them in the direction where they may find it themselves, such as the candidate’s website.
Leave campaign literature at the door that seems to be the most frequently used. Is there a side door visible that seems to be the primary entrance?
If you speak with them, hand them literature. If no one answers the door, write their name at the top, and place it where they can easily see and get to it.
Are they interested in volunteering? Give them some ideas for how they can help: canvassing (going door to door dropping off campaign literature), making phone calls to remind voters about the next election, delivering yard signs, or greeting voters at the polls on election day.
Have your business or personal card to hand out showing the way you want to be contacted and your committee member affiliation, and a link with our website and Facebook page to give them more information about the committee and the issues at stake.
DONT’s for Canvassers:
NEVER leave campaign literature in a mailbox. It is against the law! Try under the doormat or rolled up and wedged into a door handle.
Don’t hang around the house too long – 10-30 seconds. If nobody answers, leave your literature and move on. If you hear rustling, they may be trying to get to the door.
Don’t get into heated debates over the issues. Good discussions can happen by just listening, validating their concerns, and offering our candidates’ solution.
If they are or become angry, thank them and move on. Respect no soliciting signs.
Don’t be negative about the opponent.
NEVER enter a voter’s home, and avoid stepping up to or into an area where you can’t be seen from the street.
Don’t knock after street lights go on. Or after dark. Or after 7 pm. A lot depends on the time of year and proximity to election date. Assess your own community tolerance.
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