The most common method of meeting the voters in your precinct is to knock on doors. Chances are, you’ve volunteered to go door knocking at some point in your life, but here are some tips that are helpful to remember whether it is your first time or thirty first time:

• Never leave anything in a mailbox
  It is illegal to leave anything in someone’s mailbox. If you have literature to drop off that is not a doorhanger, roll it up and insert in the door handle or between the knob and the door jamb.
• Wear something that identifies you
  Make sure you have something to wear that makes it readily apparent that you are with the Democrats. A campaign t-shirt is ideal, but a name tag will work in a pinch. We want Democrats to know why we are there so they are more likely to engage with us.
• Ask for the voter
  Begin every interaction by asking to speak with the voter that appears on your list. If there are multiple voters, ask if “Dick or Jane So-and-So” is available. In all likelihood, you are either speaking to the voter or they have moved. Both outcomes provide very useful information. If the voter you are meeting is not on your list, make sure to get accurate information (write clearly) on your walk sheeet.
• Get ready Before you reach the door, take a look at the information you have on your list.
  What is the name of the person you will ask for? Is there other data on your walk sheet that may be useful to know?
• Be yourself
  You will often get a script when you go canvassing. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. As long as you cover the necessary information, you should feel free to speak as you would whenever meeting someone new from your neighborhood. Polite small talk can be very beneficial in getting people to respond candidly: “It’s so nice to finally meet you – I live right down the street and I’ve always loved your garden.”
• Be safe
  If anything about an address on your list makes you feel uncomfortable, skip it. No voter data is more important than your safety. If you have been paired up with another canvasser, make sure you are always close enough to keep an eye out for each other.
• Don’t get frustrated
  Canvassing a neighborhood takes many attempts. Don’t be frustrated if lots of people aren’t home. The people that you are reaching will make it easier for the next crew to target the homes that are left unreached.
• Don’t engage with Republicans
  Your goal is to reach as many Democrats and/or persuadable voters as possible. Spending time with Republican voters will limit your ability to reach the voters we need for Election Day.
• Ask confidently
  When you ask a voter of we can contact them by text message, phone or email, expect a yes. You’ll be surprised how often you get the answer you expect.
• Have fun!
  Move at your own pace and have a good time talking with your neighbors.