How to Canvass with Team Marie

Most people are wary of anyone unexpectedly knocking on their door. Dress modestly, in a polo-style or office-style top, khaki or office-style pants (or that kind of image), and comfortable walking shoes (sneakers are fine). You want to present yourself as “one of them” or, if you’re the candidate, as how an officeholder would look. Also, wear a button, sticker, or campaign shirt to tip off residents that you’re with a campaign—rather than a door-to-door salesperson or solicitor for charity.

Generally, weekends and holidays are best because you can walk from around 10 am to around 8 pm. On weekdays, unless it’s a development for senior citizens, you can generally only walk from around 6 pm to 8 or 9 pm. Don’t walk in the dark—it will scare residents. 

A lot of residents aren’t home for one reason or another, even among those who are home, a substantial percentage won’t answer the door. You just have to adjust your expectations. If one-third open their doors, you’re doing well. Once you’re talking, very few are dismissive or rude, and a fair number are unexpectedly welcoming.

If there is a doorbell, try it, but it doesn’t necessarily work. If you can’t hear it ring, wait about 30 seconds and knock. Perhaps a lot of doorbells don’t work, or perhaps the knock makes residents less likely to ignore you, but it works. After ringing or knocking, back up a little and place yourself where you can be seen by the resident. How long should you wait before giving up? If the lights are on and there’s a car in front, wait longer. If there’s a newspaper or mail on the ground outside, give up sooner. 

Have an opening sentence that says who you are, what the campaign is, and what you’re asking them to do. You do this to assure residents that you’re not asking for money (Most people’s minds automatically jump to solicitation). Then, those who are persuadable will listen, and those who are not persuadable will tell you so. It is traditional to give volunteer canvassers a script, but it’s important that they sound natural, so try to let them use their own words. 

Never put campaign literature in a USPS mailbox; that’s illegal.

However, if a house has a door slot for mail, you are allowed to use that. (See: “delivery notes”on the USPS website.) If there is no door slot, then try to wedge the literature somewhere on the door or screen door where it will be seen. (Some fliers are cut into a door hanger shape.) If you leave it on the ground, preferably inside a screen door, make sure it’s as visible as possible. 

On a paper walk list, or preferably, using a canvassing app like MiniVAN, record whatever information you get, including “not home” or “refused.” The campaign needs this information to follow up. 

Don’t get into long conversations and certainly not arguments. You should spend about one-to-three minutes at a door, which will allow you to visit about 20 doors per hour. It’s not worth confronting hostile dogs, but don’t be stopped by “no soliciting” signs. You’re not soliciting.

Smile, be friendly, and seem confident. More than ninety percent ofcommunication is a matter of facial expression, body language, and tone of voice. Pay attention. Expect residents to say something interesting—they often do! And always, always thank people for their time, whether or not they’re on your side.