Research points the way
Have scientists studied what works to get out the vote? You bet they have, and it’s not “secret” information! Anyone can read it, and anyone can use it. So if you’re a canvasser, community organizer, letter-writer, phone banker, or just looking for ways to encourage friends and family to vote, read on. We’ve pulled the three best tips together for you right here.
Three key tips you need to know
1: Identity
Identity—who I think I am— is a powerful driver of behavior. If I see myself as a mom, I’ll try to act like a mom. If I see myself as a safe driver, I’ll try to act like a safe driver. And if I see myself as a voter, I’ll act like a voter by making voting a priority. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are to act on it. For something infrequent like voting , YOU can deliver that gentle reminder!. Get out the vote plans that remind people of their identity as voters have shown success—as much as an 11% increase in turnout. It can be as simple as starting with, “Dillon, as a voter in Wake County, what matters most to you this election?”
2: Community
You might think that it would be motivating to know that voter turnout is low. If you think like a math major, you’d reason that your vote has more power if there are fewer voters. Turns out that few people think like math majors! Most people just want to feel like they belong in their communities. We all just want to fit in. Not surprisingly, studies show that social pressure can boost turnout by 8%! So be sure to mention that you’re meeting people who are making plans to vote and are eager to be heard this election. It could be something like this: “Lots of our
neighbors are making voting a priority this year. The energy is exciting!”
3: Competence
Voting is tougher than you might think. If you’re not really a political junkie, it’s hard to keep track of who’s running in your area, and words like “district”, “precinct”, “senate”, and “congress” get very muddled. It causes many voters to tune out. And many are embarrassed at how little they know. Put them at ease by admitting how complicated it is! Tell them that you get confused! And offer to help them sort it out, while also helping them figure out when, where, and how to vote. If you have a planning sheet, even better. Get out the vote efforts that feature planning can boost turnout by as much as 4%, so share your know-how!
Dos and Don’ts when talking to potential voters
DO: Identify yourself as a neighbor, including where you live, if appropriate.
DO: Have a real conversation in which you ask what matters to your potential voter.
DO: Listen carefully, and sympathetically.
DO: Explicitly refer to her as a voter
DO: Encourage her to think about when and where she’ll vote
DO: Build on the idea that voting is common…that it’s the “in” thing
DON’T: Use political insider words like“super-majority”, “activism” or “gerrymandering”
DON’T: Act as though you’re desperate for his vote
DON’T: Use shaming words like “must,” “should,” “civic duty,” etc.
Not sure what to say? Use our samples!
Getting started
Being a member of the community makes conversation and communication easier and more genuine.
“Hi, my name is Betsy and this is my friend Kim. I live in Forest Oaks, and Kim lives in Belhaven. We are volunteering to talk to voters like you today because there is a big election coming up this November. We want to find out what voters here in Westland County feel are our most important issues and what should be done by our state lawmakers to improve things. It looks like you might be busy, but we’re hoping you’ll talk to us for a couple of minutes about the issues that matter to you.”
Red = Identity as a voter
Blue = Community
Talking about issues
Persuasive, “real” conversations are a blend of key messages and your own style.
“It sounds like schools are really worrying you. I hear it’s an issue for lots of voters like you, and I feel the same way. My granddaughter is about to start at Harrison Middle, and you know how rough those years are. We need strong schools, but it’s hard to keep up with who’s running, and how they’ll help. (Here you can share—if honest— trouble you’ve had keeping up with elections.) If you want, I can share what I’ve learned with you about this election.”
Making a plan
Good plans include when, where, and how. A planning sheet and voting pledge to leave with each voter increases commitment and follow-through.
“We’re hearing that lots of your neighbors are planning to vote this year. You’re a voter—do you have a plan yet to vote? Here—I’ve got the information you’ll need to make plans to vote. [Pull out voting planning sheet.] Your polling place is here (show map), but if you’d rather get it done early, you can vote at the county offices from Monday xxx to Saturday xxx. Which day works best for you? Would it help to have a ride? We can help with that. Would it be okay if we checked in on you after election day? We promise we won’t pester you—you just want to hear how this election goes for local voters.”