What's canvassing like?

[calmblueocean]

I'm a strong Kerry supporter but generally a pretty shy person. This election is so important that I've had to overcome my shyness. I've spoken up to my conservative family about it. Some of them are on the verge of voting for Kerry, and I think I'm ready to do more. I know getting out and knocking on doors is the biggest thing I can do to help John Kerry win, but I gotta admit, it's a little intimidating.

What's it like to go canvassing with a group of Dems? Where do you go?

What do you say when you knock on a door?

Are people angry that you're disturbing them?

Where do you start when you're trying to tell someone the many reasons to vote for John Kerry and vote Bush out?

[On the Road]

1. Canvassing is Generally Fine

I went in Virginia over the weekend. It really depends on what kind of list you get. Campaigns often target expected supporters trying to get out the vote. You probably won't be expected to try to persuade people. Kerry people will make you feel great. Any Bush people that you get probably won't want to talk with you very long.

[aden_nak]

2. In my own personal experience, canvasing is one of the following:

People who already agree with you:

It's kind of like having a coversation with a relative you don't know that well. You have some things in common, you make idle chit chat, but really, you want to be somewhere else talking to someone you actually NEED to talk to. But you can't just leave, since you represent the person you are campaigning for.

People who already disagree with you:

This is kind of like walking into work on Monday morning and finding out that the girl you slept with over the weekend is your boss's daughter. It's painful, it's ALSO a waste of your time (assuming they are set in their opininos), and you know you SHOULDN'T just leave, but it is better than the alternative of using gasoline and a cigarette lighter to emblazen their lawn with "MORAN".

People who aren't sure, and can be persuaded either way:

These sorts of folks run the gamut, and someone of them have a preference, but are not a dead lock. They're your target audience, obviously, but that doesn't make talking to them any easier. It's a lot of person-reading, I think. You have to look them over, make gross generalizations about the kinds of issues they will be concerned with, and hope you guessed right. However, if you can persuade enough of these people (even the ones that are "soft" supporters of the other side) to think about what you've said, you CAN make a difference in the local voting results.

It ain't pretty, but there's a reason people still do it. It works.

[crispini]

3. It's FUN.

You go where-ever the person who sets up the canvass says. You're given a list of houses to hit, and a script. Before you go you'll be given an opportunity to ask questions about what you should do.

In my neighborhood we're usually simply trying to get people out, not to persuade. So, although I carry a copy of the Kerry Plan with me, in case of questions, I don't use it much.

I've always had everyone be very nice to me. Even the Republicans. I *have* occasionally woken people up, or had people come to the door who are sick. I just apologize profusely and they usually don't mind. A lot of people just don't come to the door if they are busy or don't feel like it.

The best part, though, is when you meet Dems and they are, "I'm SO HAPPY TO MEET UP WITH SOME DEMS!" Of course I am from Texas so we are a warmly welcomed tribe in this area.

It really is fun. I'm kinda shy too... I have to work to get over it.. but after the first few houses I enjoy it.

[Dr Fate]

4. Fun as hell. DO IT!!!!

If you are shy, it's the best thing for you to get over it REAL quick!!!

[HFishbine]

5. Exhilarating!!!

The first few knocks can be scary, but you get into it. Give it a try. We need you!

[PretzelWarrior]

6. I've done a lot of door to door. It's SHOWING UP that counts.

people are isolated from one another. when you come to them about something like the election...they feel connected. they will respond. What you are trying to do is tip people who support Kerry to a stronger commitment to go out and actually vote.

Yes, it's great if you can convince some "undecided" with a few more facts, but it's more about encouraging people to exercise their right to vote and mention just how important it is to do so this time.

[GR]

7. You Will Find The More You Do It The Easier It Gets..

You might try phone banking first. Hook up with an organization in your area and they'll tell you what they want you to do and how to do it...

Once you've done phone banking, I think it's easier to do canvassing. They give you a list and usually the party registration so you know who to expect to resist. You really can't do much at this stage to change minds, just make sure you get our voters to the polls and that they're going to vote.

You will get rude people but I just think that rude person puts me one call or canvass nearer the next Kerry voter...Don't argue with them just move on...

[patrice]

8. Canvassing is Fun!

The weather has been great here.

Even people who are Bushies are generally polite. I smile. They smile. Then, I find out who they want and get out of there immediately. Takes 2 minutes.

There are people who want to talk. I got a mother yesterday whose 23 year old son, who has never voted, got back from Iraq recently and said "Mom, help me get registered. I gotta vote for Kerry." The mother (a woman from an all-Republican family) also volunteered to phone-bank.

I talked to an old woman with a bunch of cats. She said she always votes for Bushes, but she may not vote at all this time, because this Bush started this horrible war, and she still doesn't trust Kerry. We talked for a while. I think I moved her toward Kerry a little.

That's what I like best. People actually want to talk and I get a chance to tell them stuff that is important!

This feels good.

[ochazuke]

9. I recommend it!

I'm no extrovert myself. Just contact the Kerry people and they'll give you instructions. You can team up with more experienced people and you'll be fine. I haven't met any hostile people. Some don't want to be bothered. So, fine, just say thanks, I'm sorry or whatever and move on.

I've been canvassing people who were previously identified as undecided or unreliable Kerry voters. The result is I'm meeting lots of Kerry Lovers, a few Bush people and of course people aren't home or don't answer most of the time. We don't really persuade people unless they are genuinely undecided. Ask them what they're concerned about and take it from there.

When I knock on the door, I just say I'm canvassing the neighborhood for the Kerry-Edwards team, and depending on their reaction, ask if they are following the campaign, if we can count on their vote, or that we're talking about the issues. It depends.

Take the plunge. You won't be sorry.