We were instructed that if a person had a McCain sign up already, or had a loose dog or "beware of dog" sign, to note that the resident was inaccessible. Some of the addresses in a folder were far apart, and probably half of the properties were set far back from the road. All of the properties were in rural areas, and a lot of the single family homes on this route were in disrepair.Practice helped improve how we canvassed. We had to retool our introduction after a few homes to ask for the person on the list before telling our business. This helped us talk to the person with who we actually came to speak. The best script seemed to be "Hi, is M available? I'm X and this is Y. We're voluteers with the Obama campaign, and we're wondering, what information can we give you to help you decide your vote?...Who are you voting for in the senate and presidential races?" If the resident was voting for Barack Obama or Jeanne Shaheen, we asked if they would volunteer for the campaign. If the resident was still undecided, or we were unable to answer the resident's questions sufficiently, we offered to make a follow-up call or email, or directed them to the campaign website. Most residents we visited were not home or did not answer the door, or told us that they were not interested. Of the people we talked with, there were several completely undecided persons, and a couple of leaning or decided Obama or Shaheen supporters. A resident's Democrat party membership was not a good indicator of whether he or she would want to talk with us. We talked to Republican, Democrat, and unenrolled registered voters. Most of the residents who were not interested in speaking about the campaign were curt with polite language. No one tried to engage us in a debate, thankfully; I had avoided joining the campaign because I did not want to orally debate politics, and thought that people I talked to would initiate debates.
When I found a supporter or a receptive listener, or thought that I might have helped an undecided voter choose Obama or Shaheen, I felt rewarded. Even though they did not volunteer, I hope that I at least helped get a vote and strengthen their understanding of Obama or Shaheen's policies. I am not a policy expert on Obama, yet expertise was not necessary. Undecided voters were most interested in information about Obama and Shaheen, and least interested in negative criticism about the other candidates.I would like to go up to NH again to canvass. Many voters still have not been contacted. I hope other Obama supporters will volunteer, and that you will encourage your friends and family to volunteer, too. I predict that it will be a close race in NH for the presidency, and possibly the senate. The presidential race could hinge on NH like in 2000 when the electoral votes were Gore 271 - Bush 267. It looks like NH still needs attention from the campaign.
I asked about driving voters to the polls on election day. A campaign organizer told me to call the Manchester, NH office. He said that sometimes NH gets "more drivers than voters to drive." It is the most glamorous position for grassroots election volunteering because it provides instant gratification. It sounded like drivers were in demand in northern NH.
Please keep up canvassing and calling to get the vote out.
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