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By Maura H.
We have amazing tools available these days when it comes to voter outreach! As we count down to November 5th, you’ll find us at OFA-WLA, maximizing our strengths and our friendships while we work together on our phonebanks, post-carding, and in-person door-knocking.
We’re partnering up with the friendly folks in Congressional District #27, who love our enthusiasm getting the word out about Democrat George Whitesides. We’re doing the important groundwork that had helped to elect a Democrat back in 2018, before we lost this seat. This district is considered highly flippable because voters in #27 have consistently voted for the Democratic candidate for President, and recently voted in favor of California’s Prop 1, protecting women’s rights to reproductive care.
When it comes to getting the word out for Whitesides, we are working alongside the Dem campaigns for State offices. That means that whenever we are physically going to a neighborhood, our canvassers have a script that mentions the candidates in order: Congress, State Senate, State Assembly. The leaders of the campaign have found this to be the most effective strategy to get the word out without saying “vote blue all the way.” Mentioning the names of the candidates and their strengths when you are facing voters is powerful!
Equally powerful is their strategy of reinforcing WHY voters like a candidate. Nadia Abrica, Organizing Director for CA-27, has asked we create this connection in the heads of voters who are supporters. She vividly described the process and explains this helps make a thought bridge for voters when they are filling in their ballots!
While door-knock canvassing can feel like a lot of walking around tract neighborhoods and boring lit-drops, there is power in both the walking around and in physically leaving candidate literature. It’s not just a faceless telephone call. It’s something tangible that residents need to pick up. This literature is very well-written and visually interesting, so voters might be ready to take a quick look, even if they end up tossing it out.
The best part is the conversations. They might be great: “I love Whitesides! He is pro-choice and that matters to me!” Or it might be awkward: “I’m for the other guys, but thanks.” When we are face-to-face, people tend to act more pleasantly than when we are calling because it's easier to see us as human beings and neighbors. Plus, face-to-face, even if it’s uncomfortable, there is room to pivot.
Volunteer Jane A. had a really good conversation with someone who offered that unfortunate welcome “I’m voting for the other guy.” She thanked him and was able to swiftly ask if he knew who he would be voting for in the state elections and mentioned the two candidates. He was appreciative of her information, and she asked if she could leave him the lit, which featured all three. The voter agreed. She left him with “Thank you for your time, and I hope you’ll learn more about George Whitesides as well and reconsider.” A positive interaction in an ocean of political uncertainty; that’s what canvassing does!
We hope others are inspired to take to the streets with PDI Connect on their phone and clipboard in hand! We plan to head up to the Antelope Valley at least four more Sundays before the election. The more people we reach, the better our chances at flipping and ensuring an effective Congress again!
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