TheVoicesOfAmerica.org Precinct organizing Best Practices
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Transcript of TheVoicesOfAmerica.org Precinct organizing Best Practices
THEVOICESOFAMERICA.ORGPRECINCT ORGANIZING BEST PRACTICES
AGENDA
Topic PresenterIntroduction Kimberly FletcherPrecinct Organizing Peter WolfVoter Guides Kimberly FletcherCandidate Nights Warren EdstromQuestions Warren Edstrom
All Content Available on Web SiteTheVoicesOfAmerica.org
Not an Organization Precinct Organizing Best Practices
Methodology
THE ROAD TO SERFDOM Dependency vs. Jobs
Spending & Debt
Tax & Redistribution
Equality / Social Justice & Rules / Regulations
Loss of Freedoms & Government/ Corporate Elite
GEORGE WASHINGTON 0N PARTIES“However [political parties] may now
and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the
reins of government, destroying afterwards the very
engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion”.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Farewell Address September 17, 1796
SWOT ANALYSES Strength – informed, passionate,
volunteers
Weakness – grassroots, lack funding
Opportunity – elections won locally with votes
Threat – political parties dominate
MESSAGING & GOTV = WIN ELECTIONS 79% of voters think that it is possible the economy could collapse
Democrats -72% Republicans – 84% Independents - 80%
Those who think the government is too big Democrats – 49% Republicans - 84% Independents - 74%
56% of people say they think the federal government has become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens.
Democrats - 37% Republicans - 70% Independents - 63%
Source: CNN – February 26, 2010 ---- Rasmussen – February 9, 2010 ---- Fox News – March 23, 2010;
“SILENT MAJORITY” CAN WIN ELECTIONS 76% Of Electorate Are Like-Minded
40% are Conservative 36% are Moderate 20% are Liberal
Conservatives Now Outnumber Liberals in All 50 States
October 26, 2009 Gallup Poll
BUILD ORGANIZATION & GOTV Leverages “Tea Party” Strength
Proven Method Already Exists
Civic Responsibility vs. Politics
Tax & Freedoms vs. Coupons
Impact Elections
Grow Patriot
Organization
PRECINCT ORGANIZING OPPORTUNITIES Targeted - Door-to-Door Canvassing
Targeted - Volunteer Phone Banks
Targeted - Meetings / Socials
Targeted - Get-Out-The-Vote
VOTERRECORDS
WINNING ELECTIONS AT PRECINCT LEVEL Most effective methods based on
statistical analysis
All the lobbying and candidate money can’t buy this capability!
Will have enduring effect - 33% will continue to vote in subsequent elections
NON-PARTISAN Strength – broadest appeal & sustainable
Weakness – relies on voters to chose candidates
Opportunity – mobilize 70-80% voters w/o PAC
Threat – existing political parties dominate
THOMAS JEFFERSON - JANUARY 8, 1789
'It is to me a new and consolatory proof that wherever the people are well-informed they can
be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to
set them to rights."
VOTER EDUCATION ON CANDIDATES
Patriot Organization
Precinct Organizing
2010 Election
2012 Election
CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS
VOTER GUIDES
CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES
“Tea Party” Republicans Especially with “Precinct Executive”
Strategy
Independents Defecting Republicans GOOOH
PROVEN PROCESS USED BY POLITICAL PARTIES
Source: Williamson County, TX - Grassroots Action Democrats (GRAD) School Training
VOTER “CONTACTS PER VOTE” RATIO
Canvass Mail Phone0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
1
28
33
Source: Composite values across multiple randomized control studies including Gerber & Green & Yale University. www.democracyforamerica.com
WHY MOVED AWAY FROM BLOCKWALKING? Money & Volunteer Access
Campaign consultants can’t make as much money Nor do they have ready access to trustworthy
volunteers
Campaign Consultants are Intermediaries for: Mass Advertising Centralized Phone Banks Centralized Mail Campaigns
Prefer Centralized Message
Net, ADVANTAGE FOR US!
FAITHFUL ACTION Strength – large, established communities
Weakness – not engaged in “public square”
Opportunity – join patriots to defend freedoms
Threat – omnipotent government replaces church
DOOR TO DOOR
CONVASSING
PRECINCT ORGANIZING
One-On-One Voter Engagement
VOTERRECORDS
Impact Elections
Grow Patriot
Organization
VOTER RECORD
Note: Data has been scrambled and altered to protect voter’s privacy.
VOTER ENGAGEMENT Engage
I am a concerned citizen Are you concerned about career politicians
bankrupting our country & indebting our children Educate
Importance & relevance of Constitutional principles Limited government, free markets, individual freedoms
Request Contact information – e-mail, cell phone, etc. Join patriot organization Volunteer with patriot organization
GET-OUT-THE-VOTE ENGAGEMENT Provide
Patriot Organization Flyer Candidate Nights Voter Guide
Assist Voter Registration Early Voting Mail-in / Absentee voting Transportation
Mobilize
PRECINCT ORGANIZING
One-On-One Voter Engagement
VOTERRECORDS
Impact Elections
Grow Patriot
Organization
PRECINCT ACTION TIMELINE2010 CANVASS PERSUASIO
NGet Out The
Vote“SOCIALS”
January •Get more volunteers
•Call to alert & recruit
•Block walk to inform, educate, & recruit.
•Get contact information
•Register voters
•Alert to absentee voting
•Meeting s of targeted voters
•Location - church, fire houses, libraries, municipal buildings
•Recruit volunteers
•Could be fund raiser
•Use for training
•Inform, educate, and recruit
•Do in collaboration with other precincts
•For staging events such as blockwalking
•Celebration & Thanks
FebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugust
September •Block walk to inform, educate, & recruit
• Alert to absentee voting & early voting
October •Block walk with Voter Guides, e-mail, phone, offer rides
•Alert to absentee voting and early voting
•Election Day – GOTV!
November
ELECTION LEVERAGE
PRECINCT VOTING PERSPECTIVE 1000 Eligible Voters
80% Register
60% Vote in Mid-Term & General Elections
30% Vote in Primaries & Off-Year Elections
Need Majority to Win
FOCUSED VOTER ENGAGEMENT
Party Affiliation
Vote
r Tu
rnou
t
Always Vote Democratic
Swing Voters
Always Vote Republican
Always Vote
Sometimes Vote
Never Vote
FOCUSED VOTER ENGAGEMENT
Party Affiliation
Vote
r Tu
rnou
t
Always Vote Democratic
Swing Voters
Always Vote Republican
Always Vote
Sometimes Vote
Never Vote
Don’t waste time with Democratic voters who always vote Party Line.
FOCUSED VOTER ENGAGEMENT
Party Affiliation
Vote
r Tu
rnou
t
Always Vote Democratic
Swing Voters
Always Vote Republican
Always Vote
Sometimes Vote
Never Vote
Don’t waste resources on people who always vote Republican
FOCUSED VOTER ENGAGEMENT
Party Affiliation
Vote
r Tu
rnou
t
Always Vote Democratic
Swing Voters
Always Vote Republican
Always Vote
Sometimes Vote
Never Vote
Don’t waste your resources on people who never vote.
FOCUSED VOTER ENGAGEMENT
Party Affiliation
Vote
r Tu
rnou
t
Always Vote Democratic
Swing Voters
Always Vote Republican
Always Vote
Sometimes Vote
Never Vote
Do engage Swing voters who always vote - Persuasion
FOCUSED VOTER ENGAGEMENT
Party Affiliation
Vote
r Tu
rnou
t
Always Vote Democratic
Swing Voters
Always Vote Republican
Always Vote
Sometimes Vote
Never Vote
Do engage Republicans who only sometimes vote - for GOTV
FOCUSED VOTER ENGAGEMENT
Party Affiliation
Vote
r Tu
rnou
t
Always Vote Democratic
Swing Voters
Always Vote Republican
Always Vote
Sometimes Vote
Never Vote
Do engage Swing voters who only sometimes vote – Persuasion & GOTV
VOTER ELECTION STRATEGY
Need 324 votes to win Assume 226 Republicans & Need 98/287 Independents Focus on convincing 98 Independents Can also focus on some of the 137 unregistered voters
VOTER PRIMARY STRATEGY
Need 57 votes to win Republican Primary Need 35 votes to win Democratic Primary
PRECINCT STRATEGIC FOCUS
Conservative / Liberal # of Times to Work
Communication Methods
Top Third of precinctsskewed Conservative
3x Phones, door-to-door, mail
Mid Third evenly split between Conservatives and Liberals
2x Phones, door-to-door, mail
Lowest Third of precinctsSkewed Liberal
1x Phones, door-to-door, mail
• ~650 Precincts per Congressional District• Focus greatest effort on precincts with greatest concentration of likely voters• Especially true during Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) phase leading up to the election
PRECINCT CONSERVATIVE / LIBERAL RATIO
Use Election Results, available from Secretary of State web site, to determine precinct voting patterns.
SUMMARY- PRIORITIZED VOTER ENGAGEMENT
Precinct Priority Order
~650 Precincts per Congressional District
1) Most Conservative 30%
2) Split Mid 30%
3) Most Liberal 30%
Registered VoterPriority Order
~800 - 1000 Registered Voters per Precincts
1) Independent Voters & Always Vote
2) Republican Voters & Sometimes Vote
3) Independent Voters & Sometimes Vote
ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA
Source: Building the National Democratic Party: the State Partnership Project
ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA
Source: Building the National Democratic Party: the State Partnership Project
ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA
Source: Building the National Democratic Party: the State Partnership Project
GET STARTED
PLAN OF ACTION Regional Organizations Must Collaborate
District Strategy ( Federal & State )
Precinct Voter Strategy ( Federal & State )
Identify Precinct Coordinators Recruit others to help Aim for 10-20 volunteers/ precinct
Use TheVoicesOfAmerica.org website as best practices resource
START WITH REGIONAL MEETINGOF LIKE-MINDED ORGANIZATIONS
Announce via each organization’s newsletters
Meet at: schools, churches, fire houses, libraries, municipal buildings
Identify Precinct Coordinators & Volunteers Beforehand on web, when sign up During meeting by looking at county precinct map and using
stickies
Request attendees bring others to next meeting +20% weekly in Knox County, Ohio
PRECINCT ORGANIZING ROADMAP
Precinct Core Team
PrecinctMeeting Or Social
Grow Volunteer
Base
Identify Family
& Friends
Political Impact& GOTV
VOLUNTEER PHONE BANK Second most effective “Precinct Organizing”
methodology
Convey an authentic sense of enthusiasm and commitment.
Use a brief opening script and then evolve into a relaxed conversation Pause for questions Invite respondents to obtain more information by
visiting the organization’s website.
PHONE BANK SCRIPTHello, is this _______________?
My name is _____________.
I am a neighbor of yours on ____________ street and I am a leader / member of the Tea Party / Patriot group called __________. Have you hear of Tea Parties / Our Group?
I am a conservative concerned for our country and I got involved because I had to do
something to try and stop the destruction of our way of life by career politicians. They are bankrupting our country, taking over private sector businesses, and increasing the government’s control over every aspect of our lives! Like many of us, I am worried for my children and grandchildren.
We meet every other __(Day of week)____ at _____(Location)____ starting at _____(Time)___
p.m. Our objective is to get citizens, like you, to join us and educate them on what they can do.
I want to invite you, your spouse, neighbors, relatives, and friends to come and hear what we
are doing locally next __(Day and Date)___ . It is very satisfying to be united with other patriots and share in this movement to take back our country. Can I count on you to come to this meeting?
If you would be so kind to give me your e-mail address, I’ll put you on our list to keep you
informed. Thank you and have a good day/ evening / weekend.
PHONE BANK – SUCCESS EXAMPLE On a Sunday afternoon called registered Republicans within his
precinct. Used Voter Records to focus calls to assure they would be most
productive.
Made thirty-six calls (4.4 minutes average per call), Was able to connect with fifteen voters (42% completion rate), Of these fifteen, eleven (73% success rate) were interested in
joining his organization. Many indicated that they would bring others to the meeting.
Once through script, ended up in a productive conversation.
Most were aware of the Tea Party movement, but had not taken the initiative to get involved.
Ralph Kraus, leader of the Patriot Unite organization in northwest Ohio
START WITH ROBO-CALL RECRUITMENT Call all targeted voters in precinct
Easy and fast method to reach many voters Able to update voter records by finding numbers that are no longer in service Leave call back messages
Messages can be used for: Assuring people "they are not alone“ Invite them to join your organization Alerting people of important meetings Get-Out-The-Vote on election day
Preferred supplier provides capability to us at 4 cents per 60 second call. Calling 1,100 people in a precinct costs only $44. Tom Zawistowski at 1-800-846-4630 Ext 104 or e-mail him at
Website:
TheVoicesOfAmerica.org
Download or Print Presentation from Website
NEW – Join the Discussion
TESTIMONIALS “Thanks you so much for sending along your PowerPoint of your Precinct Organizing Best
Practices slide show. It was fantastic! Our event was very successful. We had about 150 people who attended. Everyone loved the PowerPoint.” – Jonathan, California
“First let me thank you for your tireless efforts in gathering this information, your power point, and the website. I listened on CSPAN to your presentation given at the Nat'l Tea Party Convention and have replayed the archived video at CSPAN a couple of times. I was most impressed. I have also been researching this precinct strategy since last May (2009). I now see, with your help, that I can actually take this to our various groups in Iowa and set the plan in motion. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” – Marcia, Iowa
“I am a program manager for a voter registration program for the … County Republican Party. I enjoy the site a lot and wanted to know if it would be okay to print out your The Voices of America.org logo on some signs to be used at our headquarters in training staff?” – Steve, California
“I heard about your site from my sister-in-law … in Utah. She said that they have gained many members from the robo-calling. … I have read through your site and want to thank you for sharing your information and experience freely given online. There are many of us that are so new to political activity and appreciate such guidance. … I like that it is nonpartisan because many people who love our country do not like like party politics, but still want to help change the direction that our country is heading. “ – Heather, Oregon
CANDIDATE NIGHTS
VOTER EDUCATION ON CANDIDATES
Patriot Organization
Precinct Organizing
2010 Election
2012 Election
CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS
VOTER GUIDES
CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS Candidate Townhalls should occur before voters
receive their mail-in / absentee ballots
Ideally, they occur sufficiently prior to elections To allow Voter Guides to be created and disseminated
to voters, Based on candidate statements made during these
townhalls.
In Ohio, May 4th Primary mail-in / absentee ballots are sent out as early as March 30, 2010.
CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS Audience members ask questions of the candidate in a real time
fashion. When audience members enter the townhall event, ask if would like to
ask a question. Give them a card to fill out with their name.
In order to maintain objectivity ask a member of the audience to select cards at random The person selected from the card will be allowed to direct questions to
the participants. Each candidate will then have 3 minutes to answer the question. The person asking the question will have an opportunity to ask one
follow up question, if desired. That person may ask a different candidate the same question or a follow
up with the original candidate
CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS Before getting started each candidate will have 5 minutes to
voice his/her reasons for running
Any question directed to the candidate with a yes or no requested answer will be required to answer with a yes or no. The candidate will then be given the allotted 3 minutes to explain
his/her position.
At the end of the question and answer period each candidate will have 3 minutes for a closing statement.
After the event compile a voter guide from all questions and answers to distribute throughout the precinct.
Questions?
PRECINCT TEAM
Precinct Coordinat
or
Blockwalk
Blockwalk
Blockwalk
Mailing TeamPhone Committee
Social Event Planner
Database & e-Mail
HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATION
The best time to start is NOW
Create a knowledgeable, cohesive team that is already engaged in the political process by the next election
You’ll have established leaders who are prepared to incorporate late-arriving volunteers and put them immediately to work doing meaningful and productive tasks
HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATION
1. Host an introductory event Entertaining and interesting events to discuss relevant Constitutional
principles Potluck dinner Coffees, BBQ’s, Chili Suppers House Party affiliated with a like-minded community organization DVD Night Political Statement Costume Party
2. Reach out to personal social networks Invite people you know who share your political and social values Ask them to invite their friends and acquaintances who also share
these principles and values Network with acquaintances from: Church, work, children’s school and
sports
HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATION
3. Gather contact information as people arrive via a sign-in sheet
4. Get to know each other Go around and have people introduce themselves Talk about direction of country and if they have ever
volunteered for anything You may want to take notes about personal details like the
issues that concern them as well as the likelihood your guest might be interested in volunteering.
If you have a large amount of people, you may want to designate several facilitators and break your party into manageable groups of 10 to 15.
HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATION
4. Follow-up Within a few days after the event, call or email everyone
who attended and thank them. Ask if they would like to participate in similar regularly-
scheduled events. At this phase, target prospects — not recruit volunteers. Just ask them to commit to attending interesting events
where they can participate in lively conversations. Ask what their preferences are from the list in Step #6. Target for 10 - 20 participants. With absenteeism and
attrition you will still have a lively group.
5. Build an Excel database of prospects
HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATION
5. Schedule monthly or bi-weekly events The events should be slightly structured. Announce the subject before the get-together and
encourage attendees to become knowledgeable in order to participate in the discussion.
This will create community involvement, personal connections and help people become better informed.
Event ideas: A Constitutional based Book Club, Issue Forums, Movie Nights, Study Groups, Coffee House Gatherings, Meet at bars (“Drinking Conservatively” or “Drink ‘til You’re Red”), Wine or Beer Tastings, Constitutional Play Dates, Afternoon Teas, Regular Potlucks, Constitutional Trivia Competitions
HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATION
6. Identify Precinct Leadership Volunteers The best candidates for precinct leadership positions will become
apparent. Approach them and ask them to be part of your precinct organization
leadership. Assign volunteers to precinct leadership positions based on their location in the
precinct or based on skills and/or availability.
7. Keep the momentum growing Many of your friends and neighbors may feel equally upset about the
direction of our country, but because of family, job, and other obligations may not know about your organization or of other like-minded neighbors.
They would be eager to connect with like-minded organizations such as yours. They’re just waiting for someone to ask.
With a targeted “friend-to-friend” approach, a few volunteers can reach a vast number of like-minded individuals who are interested in working together in taking back our country from out-of-touch, corrupt politicians.
HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATION8. Start a friend-to-friend campaign
Ask new participants to reach out to their social networks Have volunteers select 15 to 20 people they might know (even slightly)
from the County’s Voter Record list, who might be interested in connecting with a Constitutional principle based community.
Have these volunteers use the Blockwalking or Robo-call script as a guide to engage and invite their selected acquaintances to participate in regularly scheduled events.
Because the volunteers already know the person, they don’t have to make the much feared cold calls
Maintain a database of who was called and the results of the call
9. Keep all prospective volunteers informed Through a Yahoo or Google email Group Via a phone network/tree for people without email access Distributing a Newsletter Newspaper announcements Bulletin board notices
PRECINCT TEAM
Precinct Coordinat
or
Blockwalk
Blockwalk
Blockwalk
Mailing TeamPhone Committee
Social Event Planner
PRECINCT COORDINATOR ROLE Recruit and train volunteers Organize precinct by blocks or zones Identify targeted voters within precinct Set attainable goals, plan, assure “movement”with
metrics, and motivate volunteers. Inform, educate, register, and recruit targeted voters Assure targeted voters know how to get absentee
ballots and that they submit them. Distribute flyers, voter guides, etc. Get voters to polls Conduct meetings /socials Be year-round liaison
PARTITION YOUR PRECINCT
PRECINCT TEAM – SUPPORT ROLES
Precinct Coordinat
orVoter
Registration / Compliance
ExpertTraining
Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
Excel Database Manager
PRECINCT TEAM – SUPPORT ROLES Excel Database Manager
Assure Voter Records are up to date and all new contact information is captured Provide volunteers with blockwalk list of targeted voters and collect new information Assure backups exist and only leaders have access to the database
Resource Coordinator Make sure voter registration forms are available. Assures food, water, etc. are available for events.
Voter Registration / Compliance Expert Responsible for knowing State’s voter registration laws Assures that volunteer canvassers comply with laws
Training Coordinator Coordinates the program and training portion of events. Works with surrogate speakers and finds voter registration trainer.
Volunteer Recruiter Assures overall precinct volunteer needs are met. Helps coordinate volunteers in support of precinct tasks and events.
Precinct Coordinato
rVoter
Registration / Compliance
ExpertTraining
Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
Excel Database Manager
PRECINCT CORE TEAM MEETING Identify who will lead each of the Precinct Team areas of
responsibilities Agree on what tasks each area entails Identify volunteer support needs for each area
Identify targeted voters for canvassing in precinct using Voter Records and Precinct Map Break precinct into sections for Blockwalking
Develop Precinct Action Plan Voter canvassing dates & training - 1st and 2rd round timing Data Entry Team meeting, schedule, strategy Voter persuasion, registration, and Mail-in-voter plans with flyers - 1st
and 2rd round timing Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Plan with Voter Guides – early voting, Mail-in
voting, and election day 72 hour plan Supportive actions such as socials, precinct wide meetings, etc.
Plan Precinct “Social” Meetings to inform, educate, and recruit
PRECINCT VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT Easier to recruit and excite with non-partisan
message and specific tasks From like-minded organizations Call/ e-mail personal contacts Existing, like-minded community leaders Robo-call likely voters from Voter Records Post a flyer at your church, community
center, library, school, meetings of other organizations.
From block walk of precinct Reach out to local schools
VOLUNTEER LOGISTIC CONSIDERATIONS Need 10-20 volunteers per precinct
Volunteers can accomplish 20 door knocks per hour in 2-3 hour shifts 35 - 50 calls per hour in 2-3 hour shifts depending on script
length
Aim for 3-4 contacts of targeted voters prior to election day Minimum 1-2 door-to-door contacts with door hangers & flyers In “opposition” territory rely more on “stealth” campaign with
more dependence on phone, e-mail, and meeting communications.
VOTER RECORD
Note: Data has been scrambled and altered to protect voter’s privacy.
BASIC VOTER FILE DATA Name Voting Address Mailing Address Phone Number Date of Birth Gender Date of Registration
Party Affiliation (varies by state) Race / Ethnicity (varies by state) Political Geography Vote History
TRAINING AGENDA Goal
Grow organization and political impact Impact 2010 Elections
Voter Contact Importance of non-partisan engagement Setting vote goals, strategy, and targeting Voter contact tactics and timelines Using Voter Records Blockwalking, Phone banking, and Robo-calls Voter registration Absentee & vote by mail Early voting GOTV ( Get Out The Vote )
Candidate Engagement Townhalls Voter Guides
Precinct Organizing How to get started Team roles and responsibilities Recruiting volunteers and identifying leaders How to conduct effective precinct meetings and “socials” Fundraising Training
New Media Leverage Overall strategy Utilizing e-mail and websites to keep precincts informed and to recruit volunteers Blog & Twitter outreach Using Facebook, Myspace, and other social networks
PRECINCT FUNDRAISING Ideas
Garage sale, bake sale, ice cream social, car wash, dog wash, silent auction, pot luck, Ask for contributions at meetings and social events Require modest membership dues for precinct “club” Sell T-shirts and buttons at a small profit An annual event that could become a precinct tradition Brainstorm for ideas at precinct meetings
Avoid Party affiliations, since will be subject to state fundraising and ethics laws pertaining to Parties. For example, in Texas:
Any club or organization associated with a Party can raise or spend $500 before it has to appoint a campaign treasurer and start filing reports.
If a club exceeds this $500 threshold in the middle of a campaign, it will be “frozen” from doing any further activity for a 60 day period.
If you exceed the $500, the club or organization has to register as a General Purpose Committee with the Texas Ethics Commission.
If you plan to do any activity to support or oppose a candidate for statewide office, state legislator, state Board of Education, or any multi-county district office, the club or organization has to register 30 days before the election.
This $500 threshold is a one-time, cumulative threshold on a per election, per candidate, or per year basis.
PRECINCT MEETING
LOGISTICS - PRECINCT “SOCIAL” GATHERING
Location - church, schools, fire houses, libraries, municipal buildings, apartment or condo club house
Have people bring a snack or dessert to share. Food is always a good ice breaker.
Use name tags with addresses and have people sign in
Provide handouts Allow time for socializing.
AGENDA - PRECINCT “SOCIAL” GATHERING Facilitate a sense of common goals /community and motivate.
Provide an overview Precinct organizing process Precinct organizing action timeline and key election related dates Explain where people fit into the process How training and materials will be provided
Describe each precinct team task & ask for volunteers Voter canvassing to identify likely voters and gather contact information Door-to-door persuasion to inform, educate, and recruit voters using flyers Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Team – importance of last 72 hours prior to the election
Early Voting and Mail-In-Ballots Election Day callers, drivers, poll checkers, and baby sitters Blockwalkers with Voter Guides
“Social” event and fundraising ideas Data entry to keep the Voter Records updated
Ask people for contributions to help defray precinct organizing expenses. Pass a basket or have one at the door with a sign.
TIPS - PRECINCT “SOCIAL” GATHERING Stay on agenda
Designate a time keeper If an unexpected popular issue is raised, take a vote to determine if want to take 5-10
minutes to discuss issue immediately or later. Could also opt to assign volunteers or a committee.
Overcome anxiety and/or burnout Indicate that taking action with like-minded neighbors is an antidote Share local, state-wide, or national successes Elections are often won or lost by small margins, each vote is important
Provide periodic precinct updates. May even start a precinct web site. Assure that on follow-up e-mails will use blind-copy (bcc) feature to hide e-mail addresses
Assure that obtain suggestions, feedback, and critiques from volunteers What was done well What could be improved
“PRIME THE PUMP” Organization Leaders
Go door-to-door Train others Etc.
Recruit Few Volunteers before Meeting Old sales approach Recruited volunteers will cause others to
step-up
LEVERAGE ALL TOUCHPOINTS Call Stop by house Send a note e-mail blasts Create a web site for precinct Create a Yahoo or Google discussion list or “blog” to
move communications throughout your Precinct. Candidate Forums Neighborhood Association Meetings Churches
DOOR TO DOOR
CONVASSING
Source: Building the National Democratic Party: The State Partnership Project
PREPARING FOR A BLOCKWALK - 1 Plan at least forty-five days ahead Team up with ethnic or religious groups that maintain mailing lists of individuals who might serve as targets
for campaign Aim for about 3-4 contacts of targeted voters prior to Election Day. Of these, a minimum of 1-2 contacts
should be door-to-door contacts with door hangers. Other contacts can be via phone. Define expectations for the number of houses to visit and recruit volunteers, along with back up volunteers.
Volunteers can knock on 20 doors per hour. With an expected 50% contact rate per pass, canvassers will end up talking with about 8-10 households
per hour. Older voters will be more likely to be home than young voters.
Provide a brief training session for volunteers. Training does not need to be extensive – about half hour is sufficient. Informal communication style works best. Canvassers should use own speaking style Experienced canvassers are only slightly more effective than newcomers.
Mobilize voters by making them feel wanted at the polls. Personal invitations convey the most warmth and work best. Phone calls in which the caller converses with the respondent is second best.
Building on voter’s preexisting level of motivation to vote is also important. Calling back a voter who indicated a previous interest to vote is a powerful mobilizing tactic.
Many nonvoters will vote if they think that others are watching. Remind that voting is a matter of public record, but do so carefully.
PREPARING FOR A BLOCKWALK - 2 Other face-to-face opportunities which may also generate votes are: retirement homes, shopping centers, night
schools, house parties, and religious centers In “opposition” territory rely more on “stealth” campaign with more dependence on phone, e-mail, and meeting
communications. Other than getting out votes, canvassing can provide other “benefits”, such as:
Persuading voters to vote in a certain way Canvassers receive useful feedback which can be leveraged Campaign material handed out will publicize the campaign and communicate its message Clean up the out-dated voter lists Register new voters Create database and flag voters for GOTV special attention
Prepare maps and street walk sheets prior to blockwalking dates Plan to have coffee, pastry, and bottled water for volunteers on day of blockwalk Blockwalk in pairs – one speaker and one data taker/navigator or split up sides of street May need residents to Blockwalk within gated communities and apartments Plan a time and place to meet after the blockwalk to collect updated voter records and to debrief Provide blockwalk volunteers with precinct core team cell phone numbers, so can call if have questions and /or
issues Prepare door hangers, flyers, or sticky notes one week in advance Record updated Voter Contact information as soon as possible Send a thank-you note to your blockwalk volunteers
BLOCKWALK - MATERIALS NEEDED Volunteer name badge Street walking lists with identified, targeted voters from Voter
Records (Update with voter contact information and involvement interest, i.e. volunteer, join, or just keep informed)
Precinct map Clipboard, pen, and pencils Voter feedback list to capture comments Door hangers or flyers to inform/educate, provide your contact
information, and inform of precinct meeting /“social” events 2010 Election important dates & location of polling location Voter Registration Forms Mail-in/ Absentee Ballot Applications Pre-addressed, stamped envelopes with County Clerk’s address Voter Guides when closer to election
OPTIMIUM BLOCKWALKING TIMES Weekdays 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
NON-PARTISAN FOCUS Need to grow “Tea party” movement
24% of voters part-of “Tea Party” (Was 16% a month ago.)* Build on existing political diversity – 28% I /13% D
Use message Which unites, instead of divides Taps into current strongly held beliefs by the majority of the population. With sustainable relevance, vs. candidates & issues
Trust informed and engaged voters to decide on candidates Use Candidate Nights and Voter Guides
Avoid need for Political Action Committee (PAC)
* Rasmussen National Survey, April 13, 2010. USA Today/ Gallup Poll indicated 28% support in Mach 26-28 survey.
BLOCKWALKING SCRIPTHello: My name is _______. I am a concerned citizen from your neighborhood who is troubled by how politicians
of both parties are bankrupting our country and are jeopardizing our children’s and grandchildren’s future.
Are you concerned about what is going on in Washington?
NO – What political party do you belong to? Do you plan to vote in November’s election? Thank you for your time. Good-bye.
Yes - Great! It’s nice to meet others who are concerned. We are trying to identify voters in the neighborhood so that we can work together to elect candidates who believe in Constitutional Principles of limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms.
Might you, or anyone living in this household, be interested in volunteering to help us with this initiative. --- YES --- Indicate on Voter Record list a 1-5 support score.
Is your phone number still __________________? --- Fix or get # and record. Do you have a cell phone? E-mail? It would make it easier for us to communicate with you and send you
information regarding educational events or information about the upcoming election. -- - Add cell phone and e-mail information to Voter Record.
Does anyone living here need to register to vote or need to vote by mail (absentee)? --- YES ---provide the forms and fill out VR.
Here is a flyer with information about our organization, how we can be contacted, and information about upcoming educational events.
Thank you for your time . I hope to see you soon.
Listed Voter No Longer Lives at AddressAdd new resident to the Voter Record. Find out if the current resident is a Democrat, Independent or
Republican and mark appropriate column. If either Independent or Republican have them fill out the voter registration form. Offer to mail the VR form for them. They will receive a new voter certificate in about 30 days.
VOTER DISCUSSION TIPS Make a personal connection
Look for common concerns Use information from the Voter Record and observations as you approach the door ( political
signs, children’s toys, etc.) as aids to focus your message Use your own personal story of why you chose to get involved
Listen to voter’s concerns Good communication requires being a good listener
Reassure them that you are a neighbor and a volunteer Volunteers and neighbors are most effective in engaging likely voters
Validate their opinion It’s a two-way communication at the door, not a “sell” If you argue and indicate that they are wrong, you’ve lost
Explain how Constitutional principles are relevant and important in regard to today’s issues
Use simple language Be sincere, truthful, and genuine Draw favorable distinctions between your position and the opposition to Constitutional
principles End with a call to action, such as please volunteer, join, vote, or read the brochure
SAMPLE RESPONSES “I am not aware of any issues and don’t really care much about the political process”
You may not be aware of the issues and their significance, because the mainstream media does not properly report the issues.
The politicians, in violation of Constitutional principles, are assuming full control of everything that affects you and are thus taking away your liberties and money (in higher taxes).
“I always vote the Party line” I am sure they’ve appreciated your loyalty, but even within the existing Parties there is now
dissention based on where the Parties have taken this country. In fact, many Party loyalists are leaving the Parties. In recent polling “Tea Party” candidates are
now preferred over either Party. “They are all corrupt”
Certainly one may get that impression because the media focuses on corrupt politicians and of course power does tend to corrupt.
Because of this concern many good citizens are choosing to run for office for the first time ever in an effort to do something about this corrupting influence in current politics.
“My vote doesn’t matter anyway” Democrats in 2008 won key states by gaining only 10 more Democratic votes in each precinct. It is this realization, that a few votes can make an important difference, of why have gotten
involved and volunteered to go door-to-door.
BLOCKWALKING – NO ONE HOME Prepare post-its to leave behind with “Sorry I Missed
You” message and your contact information. Indicate that you are a concerned citizen from the
neighborhood who is troubled by how politicians of both parties are bankrupting our country and are jeopardizing our children’s and grandchildren’s future.
Request that if they share your concern that they contact you by phone.
When they call back, use the original script over phone.
If they don’t call back, re-visit the home.
RURAL “BLOCKWALKING” Blockwalk the high density areas Robo-call the low density ranches and farms Post flyers and information at feed stores, Co-
ops, grocery stores, and restaurants. Conduct meetings / “socials” with speakers Offer free documentaries relating to
Constitutional Principles at local theaters Get permission to use silos or barn sides for
Constitutional Principle based messages with contact information
COLLEGE “BLOCKWALKING” Pursue “First Impression” opportunities
Move-in day Student organization fairs Classroom “storms”
Leverage campus organizations and leaders Student clubs Greek outreach
Utilize student’s internet based social networks
DO’S OF A PRECINCT BLOCKWALK Use identifying name tags, buttons, or t-shirts. Should be provided by organization. Bring
umbrellas or plastic covers, in case needed due to rain. Take off sunglasses before speaking to anyone. Step back from door after ringing bell so less threatening to apprehensive homeowner Work off script and listen. Informal communication style works best. Canvassers should use
own speaking style Canvassers should only answer questions which focus on why canvasser personally supports
the campaign, unless canvasser is quite knowledgeable. Otherwise have voter call “headquarters”. Confine conversation to Constitutional Principles of limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms.
Focus on the future. Discuss where we are versus where we would like to be. Be succinct and a good listener. Be pleasant and friendly Get the voter’s contact information – phone numbers & e-mail. Admit if you don’t have an answer to a question and promise to get the information and call
again. Paves the way for a second call. Leave information flyer and contact information for precinct leaders Refer any media/ press inquiries to the Precinct Coordinator Give updated Voter Records back to the Precinct Database Manager
DON’TS OF A PRECINCT BLOCKWALK Blockwalk alone Go into homes or apartments, even if invited Go into fenced and gated yards Walk across people’s yards Wear offensive clothing Hard sell or argue Antagonize Raise controversial issues Make derogatory remarks about specific political
organizations, candidates, or officeholders Make statements about candidates which cannot be proven Place anything in a mailbox – It is AGAINST the LAW
REGISTERING NEW VOTERS Make sure all volunteers who register new voters become “Certified
Deputy Registrars” – must be non-partisan! Have the County Clerk’s office schedule a thirty minute training and
certification session The County Clerk’s office will provide voter registration forms and a “Deputy
Voter Registrar” number.
Target like-minded, Constitutional principled citizens for registration Determine disposition during Blockwalking Identify candidates at events – PTO meetings, sports events, colleges, high
schools, naturalization ceremonies, stores Identify “New Movers” into your neighborhood
Voter registration applications must be received by the county voter registrar thirty days before an election in order to vote in that election
KEY VOTER DATA Assure Voter Records Correct (From Board of Election)
Name and address Party affiliation – Dem., Rep., or Independent Voting intent – always, sometime, and never
Added Information from Blockwalking Not home – left contact information & follow-up tracking Phone numbers – home & cell e-Mail Support intensity on 5-1 scale, e.g. volunteer, join, or just interested Voter Registration & tracking
Given application Sent in application Confirmed by Board of Election
Given flyer, door-hanger, etc. Special needs situation – e.g. will need ride to polls on GOTV
GOTV Tracking Records, starting with Blockwalk contact Mail-In Ballot contact & tracking
Given application Sent in application Received Ballot Sent in ballot
Early Voting contacts Election Day contacts
PHONE BANKS
VOLUNTEER PHONE BANK Personal calls made by volunteers, who believe in the
cause, are the second most effective “Precinct Organizing” methodology behind door-to-door canvassing.
Nothing beats face-to-face discussions and relationship building!
Volunteers are effective because they can convey an authentic sense of enthusiasm and commitment.
It’s best for these volunteers to use a brief opening script and then evolve into a relaxed conversation, pausing for questions and inviting respondents to obtain more information by visiting the organization’s website.
VOLUNTEER PHONE BANK – KEY FINDINGS Competent callers can complete 16 calls/ hour with an up-to-date call list and chatty script Make calls on weekday evenings from 5-9 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hand-dialed phone banks have completion rates of 50%, in contrast to automated dialers with completion rates as
low as 15% or less. Anecdotal evidence suggests a very high success rate when using Voter Records to focus who is called and inviting
voters to join your patriot organization. See success example on right. Statistical analyses show that 1 vote per 38 contacts is obtained when calling to Get-Out-The-Vote. Talented volunteers or calls within last week prior to elections can increase success rate to 1 vote per 20 completed calls.
When calling out of state, avoid calling charges by using cell phone minutes. MoveOn.org did this extensively in 2004 and 2006 campaigns. Sometimes a large supportive business will permit volunteers to make calls from its offices after hours.
Provide printed instructions and a copy of the script (make conversational) for volunteers and alert them to how they should deal with contingencies.
Leave message on messaging machine? How deal with hostile caller Speak only with the called person? How important to stay on script? How respond to requests for more information What do if requested to call back at another time? What information to record on calling sheet, such as invalid telephone calls?
Re-contacting people who earlier expressed an intention to vote boosts the effectiveness of a calling campaign Calls are most effective during last week prior to election (Although can use volunteer calls anytime to grow your
organization.) DO-not call lists do not apply to live political campaigns. Some states restrict robo-calls even for political campaigns.
PHONE BANK – SUCCESS EXAMPLE On a Sunday afternoon called registered Republicans within his
precinct. Used Voter Records to focus calls to assure they would be most productive.
Made thirty-six calls (4.4 minutes average per call), Was able to connect with fifteen voters (42% completion rate), Of these fifteen, eleven (73% success rate) were interested in joining his
organization. Many indicated that they would bring others to the meeting.
Once through script, ended up in a productive conversation.
Most were aware of the Tea Party movement, but had not taken the initiative to get involved.
Ralph Kraus, leader of the Patriot Unite organization in northwest Ohio
PHONE BANK SCRIPTHello, is this _______________?
My name is _____________.
I am a neighbor of yours on ____________ street and I am a leader / member of the Tea Party / Patriot group called __________. Have you hear of Tea Parties / Our Group?
I am a conservative concerned for our country and I got involved because I had to do
something to try and stop the destruction of our way of life by career politicians. They are bankrupting our country, taking over private sector businesses, and increasing the government’s control over every aspect of our lives! Like many of us, I am worried for my children and grandchildren.
We meet every other __(Day of week)____ at _____(Location)____ starting at _____(Time)___
p.m. Our objective is to get citizens, like you, to join us and educate them on what they can do.
I want to invite you, your spouse, neighbors, relatives, and friends to come and hear what we
are doing locally next __(Day and Date)___ . It is very satisfying to be united with other patriots and share in this movement to take back our country. Can I count on you to come to this meeting?
If you would be so kind to give me your e-mail address, I’ll put you on our list to keep you
informed. Thank you and have a good day/ evening / weekend.
PROFESSIONAL PHONE BANK In contrast to volunteers calling, professional phone
bank live calls produce weak effects.
Some findings are as follows: 1 vote per 180 calls $90 per additional vote, based on $0.50/completed call
( Top of line phone bank may cost $1.50/ completed call) For professional phone banks, effectiveness has little to
do with the specific reasons for voting stressed in scripts Only 5% calls are blocked, despite caller IDs. 90% of
registered voters still have land lines.
GOTV PHONE BANKING Have a phone team make calls or Robo-call during the 3rd week of
October to: Targeted voters who were not contacted by door-to-door canvassers ( Use
Blockwalker’s script ) Voters leaning toward voting on principles or Undecided voters and who did
not receive a follow-up contact by a door-to-door canvasser
On Election Day Contact every targeted voter who has not voted yet By phone at least twice until they have voted. The last call should be after 4:30 p.m.
Use the same script as is used by Blockwalkers on Election Day
Using a 30 second script, one caller can make about 50 calls per hour
GOTV
GOTV STRATEGY Allocating resources, time, and volunteers wisely is the key to carrying out a successful GOTV campaign
operation Late September – hold a GOTV planning session with the Precinct Core Team and volunteers Early October – check with each volunteer who signed up to help with GOTV Strategy At least 10 days before Election Day, review GOTV plan and assure each team member is clear about
their role and time commitment. Review targeted Voter Record and assure that it is up to date with contact information and have GOTV entry columns.
Call voters who received Mail-in Ballots to assure that they are returned or to influence their vote based on principles.
Obtain list for these voters, who requested Mail-in Ballots, from the Board of Elections In some States, can request daily e-mail lists from Board of Elections of voters requesting Mail-in
ballots Depending on State, Mail-in ballots are sent out 45 days ahead of Election for Military and 20 days
ahead for all others May need to be affiliated with party or be a candidate to obtain Do not contact these voters again via methods listed below
Before the start of the Early Voting period Robo-call or phone-bank call 100% of targeted voters Go door-to-door reaching roughly 75% of targeted voters
Within the last 72 hours prior to Election Day Robo-call or phone-bank call 100% of targeted voters Go door-to-door reaching roughly 75% of targeted voters Be sure to focus on targeted voters who don’t always vote (“lazy” voters)
On Election Day 50% of targeted voters should receive calls 25% of targeted voters should receive door knocks Be sure to focus on targeted voters who don’t always vote (“lazy” voters)
GOTV PREPARATION Get voters to Vote Early. This allows you to use your resources more
effectively. Finalize the final list of targeted voters at least 10 days before Election
Day. Assure all contact information has been entered. Assure that GOTV tracking columns exist to manage contacts
during hectic final days leading up to Election Day. For example, Mail-in Ballot tracking, Early Voting tracking, and phone/ e-mail/ door-to-door contacting leading up to Election Day.
Identify elderly and disabled voters and provide them with Mail-in ballot applications
Assure all targeted voters are registered at least 30 days before election day.
Inform voters of election day and early voting schedule, including polling locations Send postcards , Robo-call, phone-bank call, or e-mails Blockwalk with handouts of this information
Find ride services to get voters to the polls.
GOTV BLOCKWALKING Best Times for Early Voting Period
Contact every targeted voter who has not yet voted via Mail-in ballot Weekdays
Target 65+ year olds for Mail-in ballots and rides to poll – have system in place to immediately provide transportation Otherwise, target all other voters from 5 p.m. until dark
Weekends Saturdays – 10 a.m. until polls close Sunday – 1 p.m. until polls close
On Election Day Contact every targeted voter who has not voted yet Walk all day If phoning does not get results, contact voters at their door between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Election Day Discussion Script: “Hi, I’m ______ (your name) working to make sure all supporters who believe in limited government, free
markets, and individual freedoms vote in today’s Election. Have you voted yet?” If YES – “Thanks!” If NO – “Will you be able to get to the polling place at _____ by ____ p.m.?”
If YES – “That’s great. Every vote is extremely important!” (Remind the voter of the IDs that will be acceptable.) If NO – “Every vote is extremely important – many elections are won or lost by a small margin of votes. Is there something
I can do to help you get to the polls like transportation or baby sitting?” (Continue the discussion based on the reason the voter says they cannot vote.)
MAIL-IN BALLOT GOTV PLAN Offer Mail-in Ballot Applications with stamped envelopes, addressed to the County Clerk, to all
targeted voters in the precinct – explain the convenience of voting from home. Within one week, follow-up with each voter who took an application to make sure it is filled out
completely and mailed in time. “Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m a neighborhood precinct volunteer and am just
checking to see if you had a chance to get your application for a Mail-in Ballot to the County Clerk.”
If YES – “That’s great!” If NO – “What can I do to help?”
If you can, monitor the County Clerk records for Clerk’s receipts of application and mailing ballot back to the voter.
Follow-up with voters to make sure they receive their ballots and that they mailed them back to the Clerk on time.
“Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m a neighborhood precinct volunteer and I am just checking to see if you have received your Mail-in Ballot from the County Clerk.”
If YES – “That’s great! Remember it needs to be back in the Clerk’s office by ____ (deadline).” If NO – “You can check on it by calling the Clerk at (phone number). Once you receive it, you will
need to get it back to the Clerk’s office by ____ (deadline).”
You cannot have an open Mail-in Ballot in your possession. You cannot assist the voter in filling out the ballot.
EARLY VOTING GOTV PLAN
Contact every targeted voter who did not take a Mail-in Ballot Applications
Use the following script: “Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m a neighborhood precinct volunteer and I am contacting you to let you know that you can vote early on _____ (dates) at ________ (location) during ______ (times).”
If you have access to the County Clerk’s records that show if voters have early voted, then you can wait until near the end of the early voting period and then just contact those who have not yet voted.
ELECTION DAY GOTV PLAN Poll checkers keep track of who has voted at the pools and feeds that information back to
the precinct Election Day Team so they will know who they still need to encourage to vote.
If there will be official poll checkers, find out how you can periodically get an updated list for your precinct on Election Day.
If not, find out if you can have your own precinct volunteers at the polls, checking who votes and feeding you updated lists.
Some state laws require voter turnout totals be posted by election judge on polling place doors every two hours from 9:30 a.m. until 5:50 p.m.
Provide transportation for voters who need it
If a Mail-in ballot was not mailed in, the voter may opt to vote in person by returning the ballot to the Election Judge.
Consider having some volunteers work as election judge or clerk at polling place on Election Day to prevent voter intimidation and ensure all votes are counted.
FLYERS
DOOR HANGERS Leaflets and door hangers typically have weak effects on voter turnout
1 vote per 189 registered voters
Leafleting less cost effective than door-to-door canvassing 10 cents per leaflet $12/hour to drop leaflets 45 leaflets dropped per hour x 1.5 voter per address = 67.5 voters per hour
Door hangers that provide information about polling locations and local candidates may be more effective than standard leaflets – findings are suggestive, not significant
Voter list use If neighborhood with high voter registration, blind canvassing often more cost effective If low voter registration, blind canvassing will waste time and paper
Leaflet design Use visually engaging layout Convey a simple clear message in large print Give message credibility by including more detailed information for interested readers – direct to
website or provide phone number to call
DIRECT MAIL
DIRECT MAIL Lessons learned
Weak effect on voter turnout 1 vote per 333 pieces of mail sent x 1.5 voters per household = 500 people Mail that advocates on behalf of a candidate or issue may win votes through persuasion, not mobilization – statistical evidence
though is mixed Nonpartisan GOTV mail has proven more effective at mobilizing voters than partisan or advocacy mail. Partisan and advocacy mail
appear to have no effect. Subtle variations in message content have little effect Shaming voters by showing them their own voting record and/or that of neighbors increases turnout
1 vote per 20 recipients (+5% increase) Showing their record and neighbors record increased by 8%, i.e. 1 vote per 12 mailings Must be careful though since people may become irritated since resent snooping and scolding. May cause public outcry. (In some
areas may be illegal to send neighbors voting record information.) No evidence exists to support synergistic effects between mail campaigns and other GOTV tactics
$67 per vote at 50 cents per mailing. $100 per vote if total cost of mailing and postage is $0.75 Save money by sending a mailing to each household, instead of to each voter
Design considerations Use evocative language and images to emphasize importance of voting, e.g. images of Iwo Jima to remind voters of sacrifices made to
preserve the right to vote Recipients only glace at mailings momentarily en route to the trash – “book” needs to be judged by its cover One school of thought – homely mail gets more attention because it looks like something from a local organization or neighborhood
group Bulk mail considerations
Will save 30% postage Requires bulk mailing permit from local post office By law, political direct mail gets priority over other direct mail Some post offices get jammed with political mail during days leading up to elections
MASS MEDIA
MASS MEDIA Paid media, such as TV, radio, and newspaper, ads that urge voter turnout have a very
small capacity to mobilize voters, i.e. 1-2% -- can’t rule out the possibility that the effects are zero
Televised public service announcements have disappointing effects
Mass media represents a potentially cost-effective means of raising turnout due to vast reach, despite small effect ( May not induce many people, but cost/vote low.)
TV costs are about $15/ vote Radio is $7/vote Newspaper is $5/ vote
Lowest mass media costs can be found in regions that are less affluent. (Less sales advertising creates opportunity for political advertising)
Most media research relies on surveys, which is flawed. Viewing patterns are requested in vague terms, which introduce errors. Media consumption reflects personal tastes and thus creates cause and effect issue.
E-MAIL E-mails appear to have a negligible effect on voter turnout.
Personalized friend-to-friend e-mails can work on increasing turnout
Social connections, such as Facebook, may work as well
Limited tests have shown that text messaging has shown increased turnout by 2.6%
Nonpartisan e-mails designed to encourage voter participation has negligible effects on voter registration
70% of population used e-mail in 2006. Especially high among registered voters.
Many e-mails are unopened. Some studies indicated an opening rate of 10-20%
Benefits Reach large numbers at very low cost E-mails can be forwarded E-mail content is flexible Can direct recipients to web site with valuable content
VOTER REGISTRATIO
N
WHEN REGISTER Year round At least once or twice a month Typically, Voter registration applications
must be received by the county voter registrar thirty days before an election in order to vote in that election
Closer to elections, it’s best to check your state’s deadlines for voter registrations.
WHERE REGISTER As part of door-to-door “Block Walking” with “Voter Records” or “Walk-Lists” to grow your
organization, update / enhance “Voter Record” information, or to Get-Out-The-Vote for elections. Churches Events: Tea Party Rallies, Sporting Events, Gun Shows, Music Festivals, PTO meetings,
Naturalization Ceremonies, check newspapers for events Fairs: Farmer’s markets, Craft Fairs, check newspapers for fairs Stores: Grocery Stores, Malls, Feed Stores, Gas Stations, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes “New Movers” into your neighborhood or housing developments Obtain permission from management
Always ask the management for permission. In many states you have a legal right to conduct Voter Registrations and laws usually prohibit charging for the right to obtain new voter registrants.
Start by introducing yourself to management and asking them how you can get on their calendar to set up for voter Registration for a few hours one day. Assure them that you will not impede traffic and that you simply want to provide a community service. Accommodate their requests of where to set up and assure them that you will be courteous to patrons. Ask them to give you a chance.
Be courteous and respectful. Be courteous with the venue’s patrons. Be a gracious guest, leave on time, and leave the area trash free.
Once finished, make sure to thank management for the opportunity and set up another time on their calendar to repeat the Voter Registration at a later date.
You will be amazed at how many people will thank you for making the effort and taking the time to conduct the Vote Registration drive.
TABLE SUPPLIES Including petitions, political education material, political fact sheets, etc. The Voter Registration table can be a venue for voter education Light weight portable table, so can store in car trunk and set up quickly, and a couple of chairs. Signs for petitions for which you might be gathering signatures. Also signs with “Have you moved
recently? Re-register to vote here!” Will gain attention and once folks approach, you can ask them if they are registered voters. If not, voila, a new voter! Helps minimize chance of registering new voters for the opposition. Remind them that each time they move, change their name, or change party affiliation they have to re-
register. (Depends on your state.) Any clever prop to attract attention for the table, e.g. cardboard cut-out of Sarah Palin. Voter Registration forms Voter Registrations on clip boards Pens Absentee Voter or Mail-in Ballot Forms to request absentee or mail-in ballots. These can be taken
home, filled out, and sent in by the requester. Make sure to pick up sufficient forms at the Board of Elections.
Petitions on clip boards Fact sheets on political issues, legislation, or action alerts to educate public Paper weights, such as rocks, to keep on all the forms and flyers Have County Clerk/ Registrar’s office phone number to share with voters. Cell phone number of experienced Voter Registration contact person(s)
TRAINING Make sure volunteers are trained – in groups or individually
before starting actual registration
In some states, such as Ohio, all volunteers who register new voters have to become “Certified Deputy Registrars” – must be non-partisan! Have the County Clerk’s office schedule a thirty minute training and
certification session The County Clerk’s office will provide voter registration forms and a
“Deputy Voter Registrar” number.
You may want to contact like minded conservative organizations who have experience conducting Voter Registration drives for help preparing and training your volunteer
VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS Obtain large quantities of Registration forms at the County Board of Elections/ County Clerk/
Registrar’s Office Inform them that you are a member of a volunteer organization who will be pursuing registration drives They may require you to complete a distribution form (depends on state). On it you will need to indicate
that you are a volunteer, are familiar with the voter registration laws, and where you are planning to conduct registration drives.
Obtain the instruction sheet for How to Properly Complete the Voter Registration Card. This information is also typically available on the Secretary of State’s website for your state.
Also familiarize yourself with likely errors made on Voter Registrations and most common questions new registrants might ask. This information can be obtained either by asking at the Board of Election etc. or by going to the Secretary of State website.
Forms must be completed by new registrants legibly and correctly. It assures that all fields are filled in if the spaces are highlighted by volunteers beforehand. Voter Registration volunteers should double check each form, once completed.
At large rallies or venues, which may draw voters from many counties or even accross state lines, make sure you have correct Voter Registration forms for each of the locations. Some states have different Voter Registration forms for each county.
HANDLING COMPLETED FORMS Assure that the Voter Registration form is filled out completely and legibly. Forms can be refused even for a
single mistake, such as being incomplete, illegible, or entries are crossed out. Make sure the form is signed.
As the person doing the registration, in some states you may be required to enter information on the Registration Forms, such as your name, phone number, and signature. Some organizations use an ink signature stamp for this purpose. Do not pre-stamp unfilled forms beforehand.
In some states, you will need to detach a receipt from the bottom of the form and hand it to the new registrant. Inform the new registrant to keep the receipt until they are informed by the County Clerk or Registrar that they are registered to vote.
At the Voter Registration table, store all completed forms in a safe place. Do not leave them unattended.
Depending on the state, the Voter Registration must be submitted, either by mail or dropped off at the Registrar’s Office, within a certain number of days. For example, in California it’s three days.
Focus on registering like-minded conservative new voters. Selection of venue can increase the probability of encountering these conservative folks, but you may at times have to deal with big-government liberals who want to register to vote. When you do encounter them, remember that you are only obligated to give everyone who asks a Voter Registration form. You are not obligated to assume responsibility for submitting it to the Board of Elections. You can instead simply hand the completed Voter Registration form to the big-government liberal and request that they submit it themselves to the Board of Elections. Be sure not to place any of your organization’s information on the form, in which case you would have assumed responsibility to submit it to the Board of Elections.
WATCH-OUTS It’s against federal law to give anything
away of value in exchange for a registration at your table. You can distribute educational fliers.
It’s ok to discuss politics, but do not engage in heated political discussions. Just smile and politely end the conversation with big government liberals. They will go away.
CANDIDATES
POLITICAL PARTIES“However [political parties] may now and then
answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and
unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for
themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which
have lifted them to unjust dominion”.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Farewell Address, Sep. 17, 1796
CANDIDATES “THE VOICES OF AMERICA” methodology requires:
Constitutionally-grounded political candidates Who support limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms.
Informed constituents in each district will base vote on: Which candidate best adheres to these Constitutional principles Has the best chance of getting elected so that they can implement these
principles.
Sources of Good Candidates Independents –GOOOH and former, defecting Republicans “Tea Party” Republicans Ask Republican voters not to “split the vote” and elect Democrats Otherwise, vote Republican, until their “day of reckoning” comes
CANDIDATE VETTING WITH VOTER GUIDES Homemakers of America’s Abigail Adams Project is creating non-partisan Voter
Guides to assure that candidates who support Constitutional principles and values are elected.
It is a nationwide voter initiative to provide information to the voters on the candidates, i.e. who they are and where they stand on the issues from the President of the United States all the way down to the school board in every city, county, and state in the nation.
These Voter Guides can be disseminated before elections by organizations’ volunteers who go door-to-door using the precinct organizing methodology.
This non-partisan Voter Guide concept has been tested for the past four general elections in Dayton, Ohio and it has been phenomenal in what a difference it made.
Homemakers of America has partnered with national organizations such as “As A Mom”, “Family Security Matters”, and with state organizations such as 9/12 and Tea Parties.
They would welcome volunteers from any like-minded organization to help with the creation of these Voter Guides.
CANDIDATE VETTING WITH TOWNHALLS Audience members ask questions of the candidate in a real time fashion.
When audience members enter the townhall event, ask if would like to ask a question. Give them a card to fill out with their name.
Before getting started each candidate will have 5 minutes to voice his/her reasons for running
In order to maintain objectivity Ask a member of the audience to select cards at random The person selected from the card will be allowed to direct questions to the participants.
Each candidate will then have 3 minutes to answer the question. The person asking the question will have an opportunity to ask one follow up question, if
desired. That person may ask a different candidate the same question or a follow up with the original
candidate
Any question directed to the candidate with a yes or no requested answer will be required to answer with a yes or no.
The candidate will then be given the allotted 3 minutes to explain his/her position.
At the end of the question and answer period each candidate will have 3 minutes for a closing statement.
After the event compile a voter guide from all questions and answers to distribute throughout the precinct.
RECLAIM PARTIES VIA PRECINCT EXECUTIVES Precinct Organizing can be leveraged to elect Constitution principle based
candidates to Precinct Executive positions of either Party.
If elected, Precinct Executives can run for higher offices within each Party’s organizational structure with ever increasing influence over Party candidate selection and election funding.
The outcome should be more Constitutional principle based candidates from each of these Parties.
While, Precinct Executives elected in May, 2010 will not be able to impact Party candidate selection and funding for the November, 2010 election, they should be able to have an impact on the 2012 elections.
Many of these positions are currently vacant and you have a 30-50% chance to run for this position unopposed.
PRECINCT ORGANIZING CONFUSION
Patriot Organization
Precinct Organizing
2010 Election
2012 Election
Political PartyPrecinct
Central Committee
County State National Candidate
HOW TO BECOME A PRECINCT EXECUTIVE Obtain a Precinct member petition from the Board of Election in
your county Need 5 names within your party, recommend 15
Return your signed petition by February 18th in Ohio
Campaign from February until Primary Election on May 4th, 2010 in Ohio Call Board of Election to see if running uncontested, which happens
regularly, sometimes ½ of the time nationwide. When vacant, people are appointed.
If have a challenger, use available Voter Records to engage regular primary voters for party you’re running for at least 3 times before election
Most precincts decided by less than 400 votes
PARTY ORGANIZATION The Party’s leadership is elected every two years. In Ohio this opportunity not available again until 2012
The Party’s COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE is elected at the first meeting of PRECINCT EXECUTIVES In a small county, all the precinct executives make up the Central Committee In a large county, the elected Central Committee represents the party. Made up of one person from a city ward (12 connected precincts) or a member of a county’s
township.
ELECTED COUNTY LEADERS ELECT STATE LEADERSHIP 1 month after the COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE is elected, they elect the county leaders [have the
power to appoint] who form the COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1 month later the county leaders elect the 50 State party leaders 1 month later the 50 State party leaders elect the National party leader [procedures vary from state
to state]
PARTY LEADERS Make the party rules Can stop the corruption in the board of election Decide how the votes are counted and eliminate vote fraud Choose the candidates and determine how the presidential primary is run Decide whose name appears on the Official Party Voter Guide which is delivered to the Party faithful
UNIVERSAL VOTER
REGISTRATION
DEMOCRATIC 2010 ELECTION STRATEGY Universal Voter Registration
Override all state election laws Force states to register everyone to vote
On welfare Unemployed Has a driver’s license, Is a property owner
Many people on these lists are duplicates and many are illegal aliens.
2008 ELECTION – INCOMPETENCE OR FRAUD?
George Soros’ Secretary of State Project pre-2008 Targeted funding efforts on Secretary of State Races in seven swing states ( included OH & MN) In collaboration with ACORN’s Project Vote, Vote from Home and other programs.
Actions and Decisions made by Ohio’s Secretary of State In 2006, re-interpreted Ohio Election Statutes and created the “Golden Week” – Register & Vote at
same time Ordered the unprepared and understaffed County Election Boards to set up voting centers that
would assure a massive turnout Banned all poll-watchers from the vote centers.
600,000 new voters registered Declined to enforce reconciling provision of the “Help America Vote Act Admitted that known “discrepancies” existed for about 200,000 registrations
Federal U.S District judge ruled that breaking federal law Overruled in a split decision by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals on a technicality – no private
lawsuits Sought to invalidate a million signed, absentee-ballot applications issued by the McCain campaign,
Technical issue of inadvertently having an extra, unnecessary checkbox. The Ohio Supreme Court later overturned this Secretary of State’s directive.
Ohio NET Obama won by ~270,000 votes ACORN paid $800,000 to register new voters
“SILENT MAJORITY” CAN WIN ELECTIONS 76% Of Electorate Are Like-Minded
40% are Conservative 36% are Moderate 20% are Liberal
Conservatives Now Outnumber Liberals in All 50 States
October 26, 2009 Gallup Poll
65% NOW HOLD POPULIST, OR MAINSTREAM, VIEWS
Only four 4% now support the Political Class
Skeptical of big government
Republicans and Independent voters are more likely to hold Mainstream views
51% of Democrats hold such views
Source: Rasmussen Report , January 31, 2010
GET ORGANIZED
ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITY MATRIX
Southwest
Alliance
Northwest
Alliance
Northeast Alliance
CentralAlliance
SoutheastAlliance
Individual Organizations Are Responsible For Their Actions
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Voter Guides
Precinct Executive Election Process
Facilitate Decision Making Process for Common Actions
PRECINCT ORGANIZING COORDINATION
RegionalEnabling & Coordinating
Board
StateEnabling & Coordinating
Board
Precinct Coordinat
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County Enabling &
Coordinating Board
Precinct Coordina
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Precinct Coordina
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RegionalEnabling & Coordinating
Board
Responsibilities• Use of Best Practices
• Training• Resource Coordination for GOTV
• Funding & Enabling
Precinct Coordinat
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County Enabling &
Coordinating Board
Precinct Coordina
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County Enabling &
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STRUCTURE- ELECTION & TERMS Each county shall be represented by all patriot groups unless a group decides to not join with
the other groups in said county, a minimum of at least 5 representatives. Each county group representative shall be selected by a majority vote in the county group they are to represent. They shall be seated for a term of 2 years.
In counties where there are not 5 patriot groups, members shall elect one person per group with the remainder being at large positions.
The state of Ohio, having been divided into five regions for the purpose of training, would retain the regions for representation purposes. Each region would have a 5 member board appointed from the ranks of the individual counties, on a rotating basis, in alphabetical order from A to Z for terms lasting 2 years.
The state governing body shall be comprised of 10 members selected from each of the 5 regions, two members from each. The representatives shall be selected from the membership of the member counties in the state, or from the ranks of the governing board of the county or region, with the 2 candidates receiving the most votes being seated for a term of 2 years.
At each level a chairman shall be elected by the members of the committee to preside over all meetings. Where possible rules of order are to be adhered to with all decisions being made by a secret ballot with a 2/3rd majority present being a quorum.
STRUCTURE - LIMITATIONS In order to limit the building of power bases it is advised that no
person running for public office, in a public office, or having been in a public office, shall hold a state or regional position. They may however represent their individual groups in their respective county.
Using a position in the organization as a spring board for public office is to be discouraged.
If a person in any leadership capacity in the organization decides to run for public office they are to resign as soon as their decision has been made. If they fail to be elected for public office they will be eligible to hold office at the time of the next election for county, regional, or state representative.
STRUCTURE - FINANCES Each county shall form a 501(c) 4 for the purpose of recruiting and the
general needs of the county group as described by the 501 (c) 4 rules set forth by the Ohio Secretary of State.
All required filings are to be forwarded to the appropriate governmental divisions in a timely manor.
The 10 member state committee shall possess a 501 (c) 4 for the support of
state board functions where allowed by state law. They shall also have a 501 (c) 3 for the purpose of receiving tax deductible
donations. These monies will be used to inform and educate the voting public about candidates, voter guides and candidate nights, as well as supporting the counties with educational material and financing educational meetings pertaining to issues and legislation in the state of Ohio and before the congress of the United States.
All educational efforts will be made in a non partisan way and will not favor one party over the other. All 501 (c) 3 rules will be strictly adhered to and all filings will be made in a timely manor
FAITHFUL ACTION
FAITHFUL ACTIONOBJECTIVE Limited government, free markets, and individual liberties
(including freedom of religion in the public square)
GOAL Win back the House and the Senate in November , 2010
with more conservative politicians Win back the Presidency in 2012 with a conservative
candidate Keep pressure on all politicians to achieve objective – will
take time.
BACKGROUND Religious organizations have been:
Excluded from political process via misunderstanding and excuse of 501(c)(3) non-profit status Assaulted in public square by government funded third parties, under the
1976 Civil Rights Attorneys Fee Act. Current assaults: public funding of abortions, eliminate National Day of Prayer, and new Hate Crime Bill.
All this is contrary to Alexis de Tocqueville’s observations in mid 1800’s in Democracy in America, in which he writes extensively about the marriage of religion and politics in America
If the socialization of America is not stopped, Religion will be replaced by an omnipotent, secular-humanist socialist government, as evidenced in socialist Europe where churches are empty.
A.D. Lindsay in his classic 1943 study, The Modern Democratic State, writes: “It was perhaps equally important that the existence and prestige of the Church prevented society from being totalitarian, prevented the omnicompetent state, and preserved liberty in the only way that liberty can be preserved, by maintaining in society an organization which could stand up against the state.”
As a call to political responsibility, in late 2007 the U.S. Catholic Bishops started a “Faithful Citizenship” initiative.
The Bishops state that: “In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation”. Pope Benedict XVI calls political activity, “social charity”.
People of faith represent a large, underutilized voting block and of potential volunteers (African-American churches being the exception.) - resource http://www.barna.org/
68 million Catholics; 100+ million Evangelicals. 80% tend to be conservative? Low turnout for Evangelical Christians in 2008 and 2006, after largest turnout of in 2004. Liberals
regained both houses and won the Presidency in 2008.
STRATEGY – OHIO EVENT TEMPLATE Mobilize people of faith to join with patriot organizations and pursue non-partisan
and non-religious precinct organizing, candidate nights, and voter guides.
Conduct regional events to provide background, motivation, education, and activism training geared towards faith based audience
Recruit faith based attendees by working around priests and ministers, who resist political involvement, by using church community social networks, church directories, and precinct organizing methods to identify interested church members
Start with people of faith in existing patriot organizations to initiate process
Start with central Ohio event drawing on whole state, using existing patriot network to recruit people of faith. ( “As Ohio goes, so goes the nation…”; Ohio motto “With God, All Things Are Possible”)
Take national via existing national patriot networks and The Voices Of America website, which is getting much national traction
ACTION Plan 4 hour session to provide background, motivation, education, and activism
training Mount Vernon Theater (Seats 1000; As of 4/9 - Sundays May 16,23,30 and June 6,13,20)
740-393-6703
Agenda / Speakers Master of Ceremonies – Warren Edstrom, The Voices Of America Entertainment – TBD /Patriotic and/ or contemporary religious Motivational / Background / History/ Perspective
Thomas Tabback – author, etc. (www.pearlgate.org) – Founders, Religion, and Civic Duty Catholic Speaker – TBD / Suggested - Brian Rooney (www.runwithrooney.com) & Tom Brinkman Evangelical Speaker – TBD / Suggested – Clint Zeigler
Relevant Legal Matters – TBD / via Maurice Thomson ? Civic Training
Precinct Organizing – Peter Wolf, The Voices Of America Candidate Townhalls – Warren Edstrom, The Voices Of America Voter Guides – Kimberly Fletcher, Homemakers of America & Abigail Adams Project Testimonial/ Anecdotal Examples – Ralph Kraus Internet Activism – TBD
EXAMPLE 1998 Kansas State Board of Education
(Religious Activism) Election created a 6 to 4 conservative majority Achieved via Precinct Organizing of hundreds of
churchgoers in low-turnout Republican primaries A year later, the Board in August, 1999 dropped
evolution from science education, allowing local school boards to decide what to teach
When groups such as conservative Christians or elderly Americans vote in large numbers, policymakers take their concerns seriously
CAMPAIGN CONSULTANT
S
WHY NOT PURSUE WHAT WORKS? The most effective methodology to get-out-the-vote for elections is door-to-
door canvassing.
The second most effective method is to have passionate and informed volunteers make personalized calls to registered voters.
Despite this, these Precinct Organizing methodologies are no longer much pursued by parties since parties want centralized control of campaign resources and the message.
Additionally, campaign consultants profit more with brokered mass media, phone banks, and direct mail.
Nevertheless, Organizing for America did pursue limited Precinct Organizing for the 2008 election with much success and with particular focus on registering new Democratic voters, much of it via outsourcing to ACORN.
DATA BASED KEY FINDINGS Campaign managers are able to protect their reputation by employing well-accepted,
profitable, but inefficient campaign tactics since everyone is doing it and someone has to win the election.
But, just because everyone is doing it does not mean that it works.
Relevant key findings based on statistical analyses are as follows: Experts rarely measure effectiveness Experts may report speculations in the guise of “findings”, which should be suspect Seasoned campaign veterans know a great deal about the inputs, but they seldom possess reliable
information about outputs Publications tend to play up what works in getting out the vote, since not likely to report studies which
show no effect – known as “publication bias” Research debunks claims of synergy for varying campaign tactics It’s more difficult to study voter choice than voter turnout. Only randomized experiments with randomized assignments assure fair comparisons – flip coin to
decide who receives treatment Rare in politics, as are successful third party candidates Voting is measured by examining public records, not by asking people whether they voted Subject voting rates to statistical analyses & replicate experiment in other times and places
STATISTICALLY BASED VOTES / CONTACT Actual, statistically based determinations of campaign effectiveness for
various candidate or issue get-out-the-vote tactics are: (Assumes that voters are not already passionately engaged in the political process as they are now with the threat to their liberties by an ever larger government and assault on free markets.)
Door-to-door canvassing – 1 vote gained per 14 contacts ( assumes a normal 50% voting rate)
Volunteer phone-bank – 1 vote per 38 contacts ( Talented volunteers or calls within last week prior to elections can increase success rate to 1 vote per 20 completed calls)
Professional phone bank – 1 vote per 180 calls Leaflets – 1 vote per 189 voters Direct mail – 1 vote per 333 pieces of mail sent Robo-calls – 1 vote per 1000 calls Mass media – 1-2%, but can’t rule out the that the effects are zero (Low cost/ vote
ratio due to broad reach and relative low cost for media, but actual total mobilized voters are low. Most media research relies on surveys, which is flawed.)
BOOKS
“TAKE BACK YOUR GOVERNMENT!”
This is intended to be a practical manual of instruction for the American layman who has taken no regular part in politics, has no personal political ambitions, and no desire to make money out of politics, but who, nevertheless, would like to do something to make his or her chosen form of government work better.
If you have a gnawing, uneasy feeling that you should be doing something to preserve our freedoms and to protect and improve our way of life but have been held back by lack of time, lack of money, or the helpless feeling that you individually could not do enough to make the effort worthwhile, then this book was written for you.
The individual, unpaid and inexperienced volunteer citizen can take this country away from the career politicians and run it to suit himself—if he knows how to go about it.
GET OUT THE VOTE: HOW TO INCREASE VOTER TURNOUT
The first edition of Get Out the Vote! broke ground by introducing a new scientific approach to the challenge of voter mobilization and profoundly influenced how campaigns operate.
In this expanded and updated edition, the authors incorporate data from more than one hundred new studies, which shed new light on the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of various campaign tactics, including door-to-door canvassing, e-mail, direct mail, and telephone calls.
Two new chapters focus on the effectiveness of mass media campaigns and events such as candidate forums and Election Day festivals.
… this practical guide on voter mobilization is sure to be an important resource for consultants, candidates, and grassroots organizations.
DNC PORTRAYAL OF
CONSERVATIVES
Source: Colorado Think Precinct
Source: Colorado Think Precinct
Source: Kansas GOP, 1/09
BACKGROUND SLIDES
“Leaders” Tabs
How Create Team
Leadership Meetings
Training Agenda
Fundraising
“Volunteers” Tabs
Volunteer Logistics
Recruitment Meeting
Logistics Meeting
Agenda Meeting Tips
Capability Tabs “TOOLS” Tab
Key Voter Data Excel
Importation Registering
New Voters
“NotifyNOW” Tab Robo-call Script
“APPROACH” Tabs
Planning Timing Materials
Needed Optimum Times No One Home Rural Plan College Plan Do’s Don’ts
“Talking Points”
Tabs Blockwalk
Script Discussion
Tips Sample
Responses
“GOTV” Tabs
Preparation Blockwalking Phone Mail-in Ballots Early Voting Election Day
65% NOW HOLD POPULIST, OR MAINSTREAM, VIEWS
Only four 4% now support the Political Class
Skeptical of big government
Republicans and Independent voters are more likely to hold Mainstream views
51% of Democrats hold such views
Source: Rasmussen Report , January 31, 2010
BROAD APPEAL & RELEVANCE OF PATRIOT ORGANIZATION PRINCIPLES
65% think the national debt is the greatest potential threat to the country’s future
79% of voters think that it is possible the economy could collapse, including large majorities of Democrats (72%), Republicans (84%), and Independents (80%).
84% of Republicans and 74% of Independents think the government is too big; while just over half of Democrats (51%) are okay with the size of government.
“80% of Americans say they can’t trust Washington” - Pew Research on April 18, 2010
56% of people say they think the federal government has become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens. Breakdowns by party affiliation, of those who believe this, are: 37% of Democrats, 63% Independents, and 70% Republicans.
63% of likely voters believe that it would be better for the country if most incumbents in Congress were defeated this November.
“WHERE THE TEA PARTIERS SHOULD GO FROM HERE”Citizen’s Pledge:1. Educate themselves about key issues of health care,
spending, deficits and the economy.2. Ascertain with certainty where candidates for the U.S.
Senate and House stand on these issues.3. Agree to register and then vote this fall for candidates they
personally believe best represent their views on issues.4. Make a manageable list of 10 to 25 people whom they
would individually approach to take the pledge.5. Personally see that each of their recruits register and vote.
Karl Rove, Wall Street Journal Opinion Page, April 1, 2010
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP WIN IN 2010 Conventional top-down media-driven political campaign isn’t working anymore
because we don’t believe what we hear from strangers. Our politicians suffer from a huge credibility gap. We attach virtually no credibility to paid political ads.
The more we disbelieve those we don’t know, the more we do believe, and rely upon, those we do know.
The old regimen of media propaganda is swiftly being supplanted by old-fashioned word of mouth–recommendations from friends, trusted colleagues, and established, credible commentators–as our main source of information.
You are the campaign! Each of us must conduct our own campaign within our own circle of acquaintances, until the
circle spreads to include thousands of voters. Our audience is a large circle of people and we’re at its center. We have school and college
buddies, office colleagues, family members (even if we have to climb pretty far out on the family tree), members of civic and fraternal groups, clients, social friends, and other associates.
If you want to make a difference in 2010, now’s the time to start reaching out to all those people to spread the word. They are your constituents–your electronic precinct.
Dick Morris & Eileen McGann – April 15, 2010, based on book “Take Back America – A Battle Plan”
VOTER CONTACT EFFECTIVENESS
Source: Colorado Precinct Project - http://www.thinkprecinct.com/
ELECTORAL VOTES BY STATE
GROW YOUR ORGANIZATION
From: www.democracyforamerica.com
Easier to recruit & excite with non-partisan message and specific tasks
START WITH ROBO-CALL CANVASSING Call all targeted voters in precinct
Easy and fast method to reach many voters Able to update voter records by finding numbers that are no longer in service Leave call back messages
Messages can be used for: Assuring people "they are not alone“ Invite them to join your organization Alerting people of important meetings Get-Out-The-Vote on election day
Preferred supplier provides capability to us at 4 cents per 60 second call. Calling 1,100 people in a precinct costs only $44. Tom Zawistowski at 1-800-846-4630 Ext 104 or e-mail him at
ROBO-CALL SCRIPT
Hello, my name is _____ .I am a concerned citizen from your neighborhood who is troubled by how politicians of both parties are bankrupting our country and are jeopardizing our children’s and grandchildren’s future.
If you are concerned about what is going on in Washington, I would welcome your involvement with our community group focused on electing candidates who believe in Constitutional Principles of limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms.
Together we can make a difference!
Please call me at _________ or e-mail me at _______.
DISTRICT STRATEGIC FOCUS
Note: Wilson( OH-6) & Space (OH-18) are Blue Dog DemocratsThanks to Dan Lillback of the Cincinnati Tea Party
VOTER RECORD SPECIAL NEEDS Determine Precinct if not in Voter Record
Use ZIP codes and Google maps to identify precincts.
Need four digit extensions for ZIP codes. Can get from US Post Office web site with
addresses. Determine Phone numbers if not in
Voter Record Use …
FLYER – ISSUES VS. CONSTITUTION
INCUMBENT REPRESENTATIVES OUT OF TOUCH
57% Would Like to Replace Entire Congress Just 25% of voters nationwide would keep the
current batch of legislators Just 14% give Congress good or excellent
review for their overall performance 74% trust their own economic judgment
more than that of Congress 75% say members of Congress are more
interested in their own careersSource: August 30, 2009 Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
RE-ELECTION – 90% VS. EXPECTED 50% More than 90% of Congress routinely
gets reelected 50% say “rigged” election rules explain high
reelection rules for Congress
When the Constitution was written, the nation’s founders expected that there would be a 50% turnover in the House of Representatives every election cycle.
Source: August 30, 2009 Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
REPUBLICANS ARE A “DAMAGED BRAND”
69% of GOP Voters Say Republicans in Congress Out of Touch With The Party Base ( May & August, 2009 Rasmussen national telephone survey.)
Just 21% of GOP voters believe Republicans in Congress have done a good job representing their own party’s values.
28% of respondents had positive feelings about the Republican Party (August 25th Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll)
Compared with 42% for Democrats.