Door knocking is one of the most valuable steps a political candidate can take in his election.  Meeting face-to-face with potential voters speaks volumes about the dedication and caring a candidate places in his campaign.  To a voter, this shows not only effort, but it also personalizes a candidate.  Most often, all voters see from potential office holders are their yard signs and mail pieces.

Many voters are “on the fence” about whose name they will mark on voting day.  As a candidate, showing up on the undecided’s door step might just be the impression that will get you their coveted vote.  But, don’t show up unprepared.  This can work against you.  So, here is what every candidate should arm himself with when going door-to-door.

Answers

This may sound like a no-brainer, but make no mistake, you will be asked questions when the door opens.  The two most common questions will be “What are your ideas and plans?” and “What qualifies you for this position?”.  These two questions might be wrapped up in the more broad question, “Why should I vote for you?”.

You MUST be able to answer these questions.  Simply put, if you can’t tell a voter why she should vote for you, don’t bother adding your name to the ballot.

Be prepared to share your platform (three issues you stand on) and qualifications (short resume of qualifications).  You can also talk about the neighborhood and history of the city or district.  You not only have to be qualified, you have to be personable and available.

Clipboard

You should plan on taking some notes while you are talking with voters.  If you spend even a couple of minutes with each household, you can ask questions of your own.  You can find out what is important to a neighborhood—crime, the school system, taxes, beautification, etc.  This is simply doing your homework.

Another important note to jot down is ‘who wants a campaign sign’.  Ask the question before you leave.  Write down the address of the home that agrees to display your political sign and give them a date that you, or a volunteer, will be back to place the yard sign in their yard, if you don’t have a stack with you.  This is a very effective and cost free way to drum up campaign sign locations.

Door Hangers

Door Hangers are all-encompassing pieces of literature.  One side gives qualifications and the other side will include your platform.  You can usually fit in a family photo and your campaign logo.

If someone answers the door, the hanger will help the homeowner remember you.  If nobody is home, hang the door hanger on their door as a way to say, “I was here and I missed you.  Please know that I care.”  In any case, you need to be remembered.  Don’t show without a free handout.

Campaign Signs

This may not be something that you must have with you while door knocking, but it is not a bad idea.  Clear out the trunk of your car and fill it with your campaign signs and wires.  After you have gone through a neighborhood and noted which homes request a sign, go back and erect your yard sign that very same day.  Campaign yard signs should be put up in clumps and all on the same day, if possible.  This tactic gives a strong impression that an entire neighborhood is supporting you.

Door knocking is not so much a political tactic as it is a campaign must.  Voters need to feel that their candidate can relate to them and has the time and drive to be personal.  Candidates can’t afford to be ill-equipped when meeting with constituents.  Face-to-face meetings can give a candidate the information needed to be an effective and efficient legislator.  Be prepared and be thorough.  This is YOU that you are promoting…do it well.