There are two major ways to make impact the upcomingmidterm elections: Vote, and mobilize other voters.
In any case, studieshaveshown that canvassing can get people to the polls.
No idea where to start?
Getty Images / John Leyba
Read on for 10 canvassing tips on everything you should probably know about door-to-door canvassing.
Young tells SELF, I am the worlds shyest human being.
I still get nervous canvassing.
Its OK, and its something you work through.
Plus, you dont need to be a policy expert or know absolutely everything about the upcoming election.
I dont know is a perfectly acceptable answer when having conversations with voters, Young says.
Groups provide canvassing tips, safety tips and provide literature you’re free to hand out.
You will never be left completely alone.
Canvassing is one of the best resources you might offer a campaign as a volunteer.
Youre not bothering people, you are offering them helpful information, Staggs says.
For Martell, staying upbeat helps her reach more potential voters.
Im able to connect with them on a personal level and relay the message, she says.
You get some really interesting stories, she says.
People respond better if they think you are listening to their concerns.
A lot of the areas we go to are the people who are typically counted out, she says.
They dont get visits, and the resources arent poured into their communities.
So they appreciate us showing up.
People are less likely to be rude to you in person than they are on Facebook.
So just stick to the issues.
Whichever group you canvas with will have their own safety guidelines, but general ground rules apply.
Young says you should never go inside someones home, only speak with them at the door.
If you get a strange feeling about a person, trust your instincts and move along.
Some campaigns will give you a t-shirt or jacket to wear, or have a suggested uniform.
A clipboard might be helpful, too.
Even if people are afraid, they should do it, Young says.
Theres a ton of resources and support out there for them.
Theres nothing to be afraid of.
