Types of volunteering

Talking to friends, family, and co-workers helps get out the vote! 

To clarify, this is not about trying to change the minds of Trump supporting relatives, friends, or co-workers. That’s is a waste of time and emotional energy. Instead, focus on encouraging people you know to register to vote, to understand the issues, and to be informed about when and where to vote. Some people need information, or a nudge.

Why it works:

• People are more likely to trust information and be influenced by those they know personally rather than by strangers or generic campaign messages.
• Discussions among friends and family can be more genuine and persuasive, addressing specific concerns and motivations.
• Friends and family can help clarify voting processes, dates, and locations, reducing confusion and making it easier for individuals to vote.
• Personal reminders are often more effective than automated messages in ensuring that individuals remember to vote.

Empirical evidence:

• Experiments by Yale's Institution for Social and Policy Studies found that face-to-face conversations by acquaintances increased voter turnout by about 8 percentage points, compared to 4 percentage points for canvassing by strangers.

Conclusion:

Talking to friends, family, and co-workers about voting is an effective strategy to increase voter turnout. The personal nature of these interactions builds trust, motivates action, provides crucial information, and fosters a culture of voting. Empirical evidence supports the significant impact of relational organizing, making it a valuable tool in any get-out-the-vote effort.

Canvassing for an election is a grassroots campaign activity where volunteers or campaign workers go door-to-door to engage with potential voters. 

Scientific studies who that it increases voter turnout by 4% to 7%.

It's usually done in pairs. You and your canvassing buddy will never have to debate or argue with anyone. Canvassers are sent to households of democrats, and start with listening. Depending on where the conversation goes, canvassers inform voters about candidate and issues, listen to voter concerns, distribute campaign materials, and encourage voter turnout. Overall, canvassing is a crucial component of election campaigns, helping to create a direct and personal connection with voters, which can significantly influence election outcomes. 

A LITTLE NERVOUS? Ask to start as a “silent canvasser.” Your mentor will do all the talking until you feel more comfortable.

Nearly all democratic organizations offer opportunities for canvassing. 

Voter registration drives are organized efforts to register eligible citizens to vote. 

How voter registration drives work:

• Organization: Drives are often conducted by political parties, non-profit organizations, or community groups.
• Distribution of forms: Organizers distribute voter registration forms and provide assistance in completing them.
• Collection and submission: Completed forms are collected and returned to election offices within specified deadlines.

How volunteers can get involved:

• Join an existing organization: Many national and local organizations regularly conduct voter registration drives. Volunteers can reach out to groups like the League of Women Voters, Rock the Vote, or local political parties.

Phone banking for an election is a campaign strategy where volunteers or campaign workers call potential voters to engage them in conversations about a candidate or political issue. The primary objectives are to identify supporters, persuade undecided voters, and ensure voter turnout. You never have to debate or argue with anyone. You engage in meaningful conversations, remind supporters to vote, and provide information on voting logistics.

An organized letter-writing campaign can effectively mobilize voters and influence an election by creating personal and persuasive communication. It is well organized, and letter writers are provided with names and addresses and the message (which can be personalized) to be hand-written in a letter (to make it more personal). All you have to provide is time, paper, envelopes, and stamps.

An organized postcard writing campaign can be an effective tool for mobilizing voters and influencing an election through personal and tangible outreach. Postcard writers are provided with names and addresses and a message (which can be personalized) to be hand-written on postcards provided by the campaign. All you have to provide is time and stamps.

If you contact your local Democratic headquarters, or the nearest Democratic Campaign office, they might need volunteers for basic office and administrative work, like answering the phones, stuffing envelopes, etc.

Contact your local Democratic Party to learn more.

Text banking, in the context of political campaigns, is a strategy where campaign volunteers or staff send text messages to voters to mobilize support, provide information, and encourage voter participation. It has become a popular tool due to its ability to reach large numbers of people quickly and efficiently. Campaigns use voter databases to identify target groups, such as registered voters, party supporters, undecided voters, or specific demographic segments. Messages are crafted to align with the campaign's goals, whether it's to inform voters about a candidate's platform, remind them of upcoming election dates, or urge them to vote. Specialized platforms like Hustle, GetThru, or Relay are often used to manage and send large volumes of text messages. These platforms allow personalized messages to be sent en masse while maintaining a human touch. Volunteers or campaign staff use the platform to send pre-approved messages. These messages can be personalized with the recipient’s name and other relevant information. Voters can respond to these texts, allowing for two-way communication. Volunteers can answer questions, provide additional information, and address concerns, creating a more interactive experience.

You can drive people to the polls during early voting and on election day. Here’s how it helps and why it’s an effective strategy:

1. Removes Barriers:

• Accessibility: Transportation assistance eliminates the barrier for those who lack personal vehicles or access to public transportation.
• Convenience: It provides a convenient option for voters who may face difficulties getting to polling stations due to distance or time constraints.

2. Increases Turnout Among Specific Groups:

• Elderly and Disabled Voters: Ensures that elderly or disabled voters, who may find it challenging to travel, can cast their votes.
• Low-Income Voters: Helps low-income individuals who might not have the financial means for transportation to participate in the voting process.
• Young Voters: Encourages young voters, particularly those without cars or who are less familiar with the voting process, to vote.