Canvassing Best Practices - What to do when you go door to door talking with voters

• 20% Talking/ 80% Listening
• Ring doorbell, step back and wait a few seconds. No answer after the doorbell, knowck 3 times really loud. Step back and smile and wait. No answer, drop literature and leave.
• Hold Clipboard to the side or put it behind your back (avoid looking like a sales person.
• Check voter demographics before knocking on door to be prepared for a possible conversation:  age, sex, party ID, PAV (Permanent Absentee Voter) phone number, etc.
• Leave literature on the doorknob, even if it's for a few seconds. Voters are more likely to read it or glance at it if they have to hold it when they open the door.
• Script is a guide
• Don't give information you are not sure about, be sincere and tell the voter that you are a volunteer. Instead, take their information and offer to follow up.
• When a voter is talking for a long time, try to end the conversation by saying the following:
  • If supporter: "You and I are on the same page, we need more people like you reaching out to voters. Would you like to join us at the following event? 
  • ​or "I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me but I have many other voters to talk to just like you. Thank you for your time. I hope to see you at one of our events soon."
  • If undecided or concerned: "Your issues are really important, would you like to talk some more over coffee?"
• Don't apologize before going into the script, talking to voters at a door is a favor to them, not an inconvenience.
• Knock on "No Soliciting Doors". Canvassing is not considered soliciting because you are not selling anything. You are working on voter education.
• Volunteer Ask: use strong language. Use phrases such as "Can I count on you" vs. "Would you" or "Could you" or "If it's not too much or a burden"