Voter’s rights and safety:

Enough about you! What about the voters rights and responsibilities? First know that calling at people’s houses is a protected form of free speech –one solicitors do not have. You are not violating the law even if there is a no solicitation sign, however  you should be sensitive to voter’s wishes.

• >Do not take their lawn signs, pick their flowers or hand them their newspaper. Picking up a bit of trash is nice as long as you don’t hand it to them!t>t>>
  >
  >>Do not argue. Remember this is their home.t>t>>
  >
  >>Walk on walkways and driveways.t>t>>
  >
  >>Do not put literature in mail boxes –it’s illegal.t>t>>
  >
  >>Do not surprise people. Make noise as you approach.t>t>>
  >
  >>Do not go around the back of the house or peer in windows.t>t>>
  >
  >>Stay out of secure buildings. Do not get one tenant to open the door and then call on everyone in the building.t>t>>
  >
  >>People get nervous if you talk to their kids beyond asking for mom and dad.t>t>
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OK, you are primed, pumped and ready for this! And you’re maybe a little nervous. That’s normal! Here are some hints on getting the conversation started.





• 
  

  Consult your walk sheet before you go to the door. Look for any information that may be helpful. Sometimes you may even know what issues are important to the voter!

  
  


• 
  

  Remember going in that you will need to contact a number of people today. Have a feel for the time and avoid twenty minute conversations.

  
  


• 
  

  Avoid yes/no questions at all costs. Especially avoid asking of you can have a few moments of their time. Yes, it is polite but you are here to deliver a message. If they do not want you there they’ll tell you soon enough.

  
  


• 
  

  Introduce yourself and why you are there. If you have any connection to the area mention it up front. “Hello, my name is ___. I live here in (neighborhood, city, west side) and I’m talking to people about (name of campaign/issue). People are more cpomfortable talking to people who live bnearby (and will be less likely to dis you if they may see you again!)

  
  


• 
  

  It is ok here to make a little sincere small talk “I like your garden, or “nice doggie” but keep it short.

  
  


• 
  

  If you are contacting voters in or near your neighborhood,By all means identiofy yourself as a "neighbor"!

  
  
+

OK, you are primed, pumped and ready for this! And you’re maybe a little nervous. That’s normal! Here are some hints on getting the conversation started.


> >
>>


Consult your walk sheet before you go to the door. Look for any information that may be helpful. Party ID may be noted on the phone or walk sheet. If there is more than one voter in the household you'll see this. Sometimes you may even know what issues are important to the voter!


>
>
>>


Remember  that you will need to contact a number of people. Have a feel for the time and avoid twenty minute conversations.


>
>
>>


Avoid yes/no questions at all costs. Especially avoid asking if you can have a few moments of their time. Yes, it is polite but you'll likely just get a no. If they do not want you there they’ll tell you soon enough.


>
>
>>


Introduce yourself and why you are there. If you have any connection to the area mention it up front. “Hello, my name is ___. I'm a volunteer and I live here in (neighborhood, city, west side). I’m talking to people about (name of campaign/issue). People are more comfortable talking to people who live nearby (and may see again!)


>
>
>>


It is ok to make a little sincere small talk “I like your garden, or “nice doggie” but keep it short.


>
>
>>


Again, if you are contacting voters in or near your neighborhood,By all means identify yourself as a "neighbor"!


-

 

]]> George Greene Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:36:56 +0100