Heading into the homestretch of the 2018 campaign, there are numerous campaigns, local Democratic parties, and other organizations going door-to-door to talk to our neighbors in the 161st District. We are very excited and grateful that so many people both here in Delaware County, and across Pennsylvania, recognize the importance of re-electing Leanne to the state House this November 6th. But while we try to instruct our own volunteers about how to be respectful to our community, we can’t control what others do.
Still, we hope that any supporters of Leanne canvassing in the district keep the following guidelines in mind to make the most positive impression they can to voters:
- DO: Wear a campaign button or t-shirt, and honestly identify yourself and the candidates and/or organization you’re canvassing for (i.e. “Hi, I’m a volunteer for Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky’s campaign” or “Hi, I’m a volunteer with the [LOCAL] Democratic committee”) and why you’re canvassing (i.e. “I’m out talking to your neighbors about why we need to elect pro-working families candidates like Leanne”).
- DO: Knock loudly. If there is a doorbell, ring it AND knock.
- DO: Wait for 30 seconds before moving on to the next house; sometimes it takes voters a little extra time to get to the door.
- DO: Make sure the voter can see you and your name tag through the door or the window.
- DO: Watch for dogs. Most are friendly, but a rare few aren’t. You can even carry dog treats and offer them (with the owner’s permission!).
- DO: Be respectful and conduct yourself as a representative of the campaign. Even those canvassers not being directed by our campaign should remember that voters often do not understand the difference between the campaign, the local party, or any other organization. If you are canvassing in support of Leanne, voters will assume you work for Leanne, even if you don’t.
- DO: Smile! Enthusiasm is contagious, and voters will see that you care about your candidates!
- DON’T: Knock any doors earlier than 10:00 AM or later than 8:30 PM (or earlier, if approaching homes after dusk is making you or voters uneasy).
- DON’T: Mislead a voter or answer any question you are unsure of. If you don’t know the answer, confirm their phone number and arrange for a follow up. Also, do not mislead anyone about why you’re at the door: if you’re asking people to support Leanne, say so. Don’t say you’re conducting an independent voter survey if you’re not.
- DON’T: Be rude. If you’re talking on the phone on the way to a door or while waiting for the voter to come to the door, they can hear you. Be respectful of the fact that you’re on someone else’s property.
- DON’T: Walk through someone else’s yard. Always use the sidewalk, driveway, and footpaths; keep off the grass.
- DON’T: Leave gates open, even for the short time that it takes to knock on a door. The last thing you want are dogs or small children getting loose.
- DON’T: Knock on any doors other than the front, unless there is a sign directing you to do so.
- DON’T: Leave flyers, brochures, or any other campaign literature in a mailbox – it’s illegal.
- DON’T: Accept food or drinks from voters or enter a voter’s house.
- DON’T: Argue with a voter. If someone becomes argumentative, thank them for their time and move on to the next door.
- DON’T: Take it personally if people refuse to talk to you or ask you to leave. Thank them and move on to the next door.