Thanks for pointing out that "I'm voting for Harris" is the start, not the end, of a canvassing conversation. So true! But I make "How do you plan to vote?" the very next thing, before I get into volunteering or yard signs. We want to make sure the intention to vote turns into an actual vote. Most people know where their polling place is, but a few do not; it's in MiniVAN under "Details," but I also keep GoogleMaps open on my device, showing the location. If the person plans to vote by mail, I talk about how to return the ballot (inside the secrecy envelope, which goes inside the mailing envelope) and urge them to put it in the mail right away. If they want to vote early in person, I let them know the location and deadline. (The website iwillvote.com is useful for this.) It's important to know the voting rules and procedures of the jurisdiction you're canvassing in. They can be complex, and many people are grateful for the help.
Committed Harris voters know one thing that's not in the voter data: who needs an absentee ballot.
People working away from home, students at school, people away in military service - they need absentee ballots, but only friends and family may know how to reach them to remind and GOTV. A strong committed voter will probably be glad to reach out to them but may not have thought of it.
I live in a county where there are 33(!) early voting sites this year and yet there are still people who "prefer" to vote on Election Day. We need to encourage them to vote ASAP and run up the early totals! I have been talking this up with my friends by reminding them of the benefits:
* If they are already a volunteer, I point out that it makes it easier/more efficient for those people phone banking and canvassing because you come off the "lists" to be contacted after you vote. That allows volunteers to reach out to people who might not otherwise vote -- and increases turnout! Lots of 💡💡💡turn on.
* If they aren't politically active, you can remind them that their reward for early voting is that they won't get annoying phone calls every evening at dinner time!
Early voting starts today in NC and I plan to vote this morning after it warms up to at least 50!
Thanks for pointing out that "I'm voting for Harris" is the start, not the end, of a canvassing conversation. So true! But I make "How do you plan to vote?" the very next thing, before I get into volunteering or yard signs. We want to make sure the intention to vote turns into an actual vote. Most people know where their polling place is, but a few do not; it's in MiniVAN under "Details," but I also keep GoogleMaps open on my device, showing the location. If the person plans to vote by mail, I talk about how to return the ballot (inside the secrecy envelope, which goes inside the mailing envelope) and urge them to put it in the mail right away. If they want to vote early in person, I let them know the location and deadline. (The website iwillvote.com is useful for this.) It's important to know the voting rules and procedures of the jurisdiction you're canvassing in. They can be complex, and many people are grateful for the help.
Committed Harris voters know one thing that's not in the voter data: who needs an absentee ballot.
People working away from home, students at school, people away in military service - they need absentee ballots, but only friends and family may know how to reach them to remind and GOTV. A strong committed voter will probably be glad to reach out to them but may not have thought of it.
Most military families live one place and vote another. They vote by special absentee ballot, which they can request via fvap.gov
Once again, I was blocked from sharing on Facebook. I thought this was an excellent piece of information.
I live in a county where there are 33(!) early voting sites this year and yet there are still people who "prefer" to vote on Election Day. We need to encourage them to vote ASAP and run up the early totals! I have been talking this up with my friends by reminding them of the benefits:
* If they are already a volunteer, I point out that it makes it easier/more efficient for those people phone banking and canvassing because you come off the "lists" to be contacted after you vote. That allows volunteers to reach out to people who might not otherwise vote -- and increases turnout! Lots of 💡💡💡turn on.
* If they aren't politically active, you can remind them that their reward for early voting is that they won't get annoying phone calls every evening at dinner time!
Early voting starts today in NC and I plan to vote this morning after it warms up to at least 50!