Door-to-Door and Table Canvassing Tips

• Ask volunteers to meet at a central location before the canvass is scheduled to begin, to allow time for training, location assignments and questions. Be sure to address any and all questions before the canvass; we don’t want to send confused volunteers into the field!
• Make sure volunteers are able to get to their assigned locations. If budget permits, offer public transit vouchers. Set up carpools if necessary.
• Try to schedule the canvass during a time when most people will be at home (6-9pm during the week, or weekend afternoons).
• Be sure to consider the safety of your volunteers. If canvassing in a high-crime neighborhood, be sure to send volunteers in pairs, and during daylight hours.
• When tabling, choose a high-traffic area (outside of supermarkets or shopping areas, community functions, public transit stations during rush hour, etc). Be sure to ask the proprietor’s permission before setting up shop.
• If you want to play music or use a bullhorn, be sure to secure the necessary permits.

Tips for Canvassing Voters

Do

• Identify yourself as a volunteer with your union
• Keep your contacts concise and to the point
• Thank the voter for their time
• Be positive about the qualities of the issues/candidates
• Ask if you can count on them to support the union candidate or ticket

Don’t

• Argue with the voters or try to convince them they are wrong.
• Push the voter if he/she is not interested or seems annoyed

Questions? Contact Assistant Political Director Melanie Hallahan.