Tips from the Canvassing Front Line: So Important, Often Fun (but Don’t Negotiate with Dobermans)

I’m volunteering to canvass for Jennifer Wexton’s congressional campaign here in Northern Virginia.  Her opponent, the incumbent Barbara Comstock, has voted with Trump 98% of the time, including gutting Obama Care (including pre-existing conditions) and tax breaks for the 1%.

Despite creaky knees, and the occasional, “Where did I park my car?” canvassing is critically important, substantive, an amazing font of hands-on, face-to-face learning, and, believe it or not, often fun.  Canvassing is democracy, so under assault, on the street. So here I offer some tips for those who might venture forth.

— Go to one of Wexton’s local offices. Get your clipboard and a little advice. The clipboard I carry to record voter information makes it look like I’m from the CIA.  So I ALWAYS show them what I’m recording, asking them to rate themselves. We lean over the clipboard together. They really get into it, which leads to more discussions… “Not sure now, but my husband’s a ‘3’, tilting Comstock, but I’m a ‘2,’ tilting Wexton.”  

–Do not negotiate with Dobermans.  At one door, the dog lunging against it, me about 2 inches away from a gleaming set of bared canine teeth.  DON’T EVEN LEAVE A FLYER ON THE DOOR AS YOUR ARM STARTS LOOKING LIKE LUNCH.  I left the flyer on the car door handle. (Happened only once.)

–Even if not on your list, greet people out in their yards especially on these beautiful fall days when all are outside.  “Hope you’re going to vote on election day!  Any information I can give you that might help?” One, person, “No, I’m voting for the Republicans, but you’re doing such good work.  Can’t I give you a drink?”  I refrain from asking for a Bloody Mary. 

–Know that many people will tell you, “I’m not ready to say,” which is usually code for “I’m totally for this Trump person Comstock, but am too embarrassed to tell you.” If comfortable and if no one glares, I’ll occasionally say, “I did go to Divinity School, and will always accept confessions.”

–Ask the Undecideds this: “Anything I can do or say to convince you?”

–Hostility is rare: in more than 20 canvassing hours and about 200 door-knocks I got only this:  “Get off my porch.  What you’re doing is illegal.”  Note:  as “constitutionally protected speech,” it’s legal.

–Know you will be heartened, as in “Great! My wife and I totally in.  Got to get rid of this madness.”  Or “My mother-in-law has moved in with us, and we just registered her to vote.” Or this: “I’m not on your list and should be.  Let me write my name down.  Your writing is terrible.” Or this, my favorite: “My wife, daughter and I are all voting Wexton. And how are you doing?” “My feet hurt,” I say.  “Keep it up.  At your age belief keeps you going.”

–Carry a click top pen that works.  Wear comfortable shoes. Keep an umbrella in your car. Go to the bathroom before you start.

–If a neighborhood is full of kids, and if people want to talk, point out that Comstock won’t protect their children via sensible gun safety laws, that she’s received over $137,000 from the NRA. She votes “No” on assault weapons bans, and opposes background checks that would screen out terrorists and domestic violence abusers.

–Always listen. Push a bit only after you sense openness.  

–Women are much more amenable to Wexton.  One house:  “We’re divided.  Irreconcilable differences: “Counseling needed?” I ask.  Laughter. 

–Try to have fun. People ALWAYS love to talk about their kids.  And you might have changed a vote because you asked whether their son is a righty or lefty or you noted their beautiful roses. 

–If you’re scared to canvass, say it!  Be yourself. You might be shy and new to canvassing, or as one person told me, “I’d rather be beaten than canvass.” Such can become an asset, your strength: “I’m new to this.  I have to admit that I’m scared and I hate to intrude, but this election is so important to me that…” 

–On the whole, people, although busy, are interested, even kind. I believe that most view canvassing as democracy at its most basic, most human and that the effort is appreciated.

Conclusion? This face-to-face work, although vitally important, may not  be in the cards for retiring souls.  But know that opportunities abound: postcard writing, phone calling, poll watching, entering data, or preparing for local, state and Congressional legislative actions.  Something for everyone!