Launching into the Battleground States
Three great projects -- some that pay canvassers -- hit the doorsteps
By Steve Schear
“Joy snacks,” a therapist friend of mine calls them.
At first, most people are not home, some are too busy to talk, others not just not interested. And then you meet the voter standing in a foyer who is open to learning something new, or really wants to engage in a conversation, or just needs a nudge to vote our way. Some are even thrilled to see you at the door. It is those warm connections with someone you’ve just met, and the knowledge you are making a difference, that make all the rest worthwhile.
This year, we canvassers have lots of opportunities for joy snacks. Trump is old, unstable, with a horrible agenda. Through canvassing, we can get people to vote against him and for a candidate who stands for freedom and improving our lives. Those moments of connection are what will turn undecided voters our way. And that’s what can make canvassing really fun. Especially this year.
The single most effective way to help Democrats win in November is to talk to voters in battleground states. Three unique programs give us a chance to cover those states with canvassers and win elections for Harris and in Congress.
The Progressive Turnout Project
The Progressive Turnout Project is the largest direct voter contact organization in the country. PTP has raised $30 million to fund canvassing that focuses on towns in rural parts of swing states and exurbs, places usually left behind by canvassing based in cities and suburbs. PTP will pay anyone willing to canvass outside major cities and suburbs in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
PTP will pay people $125 per turf they canvass, which works out to about $250 per day. Individuals pick one or more swing states where they want to canvass. PTP provides state-specific one-hour virtual canvassing training. After training, PTP canvassers choose when and where they want to canvass – a high degree of flexibility. Turfs usually take 3-4 hours to complete. And there are no fixed schedules or minimum commitment.
The best part of PTP is that it reaches voters no one else will be talking to. In 2022, 90 percent of doors PTP hit weren't reached by any other organization. The program focuses on conversations with potential voters who don’t closely follow politics but who, if convinced to vote, are likely to support Democrats. Canvassers are asked to make sure folks have a plan to vote and know their voting options. It’s easy, and you don’t need previous experience.
PTP’s program is especially beneficial for activists from out-of-state. Travel and short-term housing can be expensive. PTP’s $250 per day should cover travel, housing, transportation, and food for individuals or groups.
Thousands Expected for the Launch of the PTP Program and the Canvassing Connector.
On August 13, at 5 p.m. PDT and 8 p.m. EDT, PTP will launch with a YouTube meeting, “A Week to Save Democracy.” Anyone can attend by signing up here.
The meeting will also include information about the new Canvassing Connector matching people who want to canvass without pay in battleground states with high-quality canvassing operations. PTP is encouraging organizers and groups from around the country to help spread the word about the August 13 launch.
Although there is no minimum time commitment, organizers suggest volunteers commit 3-5 days to canvassing, which gets easier and more effective the more you do. A week of door-knocking has a tremendous impact.
Canvassing Connector – Cities, Suburbs, and Montana.
The new Canvassing Connector (CC) will help volunteers arrange to canvass in Detroit and its suburbs, Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) NC, Maricopa County (Phoenix) AZ, Milwaukee, Montana, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reno, and Tucson. Las Vegas, Ohio, and Wake County (Raleigh) NC should soon be added to the CC options.
Seed The Vote Provides Housing, Transportation and Great Guidance.
Another way to get paid to canvass in swing states is through Seed The Vote (STV), a San Francisco-based national organization. STV provides financial and logistical assistance to canvassers in Detroit, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, or Reno. STV provides excellent training and support for volunteers, whether or not they take advantage of STV’s financial support. To sign up to canvass with STV, go here.
Spread The Word
Research has shown that quality canvassing increases voter turnout by about 8 percent on average. Battleground states and districts are by definition highly competitive purple places where either side can win. If thousands of us canvass in swing states and in Montana, we can win the presidency, hold the Senate and take back the House. Spreading the word about these three canvassing programs will really help to ensure our success. “Joy snacks” now will produce a jubilant three-course meal on November 6.
PTP is great. I love the idea that more people will be able to participate because funding their time or trip won't be a big barrier. But also true that wherever you live, wherever you can pitch in, down ballot races will make a difference. Getting folks to come out for school board races and secretary of state candidates all makes a difference even if most of the resources need to be focused in swing states.
I continue to share your posts on FB, by modifying the URL so FB doesn't block them. However, I also continue to be furious that FB blocks your posts. Is there anything we can do about this issue?