For more help on writing scripts for your phone or canvassing programs, visit us at GroundGameHQ.com
Voter Identification (ID) Script The purpose of this script to identify candidate preferences of targeted voters. Can also be used to identify voters issue preferences. (Name of next voter on list) My name is. I m calling as a volunteer for (name of candidate). We re doing a brief survey of voters in the district to identify the most important issues to voters. (if voter hesitates, remind him that you only have 3 questions and it will take less than a minute to complete the survey.) Q1. From your perspective do you think that we as a (city/state/nation) are on the right track or the wrong track? 1. Right track 2. Not sure 3. Wrong track 4. Refused Q3. If the Election for X were held today, for whom would you most likely vote for? 1. Candidate A 2. Candidate B 3. Candidate C 4. Undecided 5. Refused Q2. What are the two most important issues to you the issues that will determine who you vote for in the upcoming election? [write these issues on your call sheet]
Sample Voter Persuasion Script The purpose of this script is to call undecided voters and persuade them to vote for our candidate. (Name of next voter on list) My name is. I m calling as a volunteer for (name of candidate). We re talking to our friends and neighbors about (candidate/campaign). Are you familiar with him/her? If YES, they are familiar: (ask them) Can we count on your vote in (November) for (candidate X)? If yes, thank them. Get their email and ask them to volunteer and say goodbye. If no, ask them what their concerns are. Try to address. If you can t persuade, thank them for their time. (record objections on your call sheet) If NO, they are not familiar: (ask them) Well, I m volunteering for (candidate) because (list your reasons for supporting the candidate). I m also supporting (candidate) because I believe he/she will listen to us when we have concerns. That s pretty important wouldn t you agree? What are some things you wish could be changed in our (city/state/nation)? [Try to engage voter and let them talk. Record their answers on your call sheet. If there is little response, go to next question]
Ok (voter name). I just wanted you to know that (candidate) is out working hard, knocking on doors and listening to voters concerns. Based on the feedback we ve gotten, voters want a change in leadership so that (important issue) can be addressed. Can (candidate) count on your vote for (office) in (November)? If yes: That s great. May we get your email so we can keep you posted on campaign events and volunteer opportunities? Thank you again for your time. Have a great (day/evening). If no: ask them what their concerns are. Try to address. If you can t persuade, thank them for their time. (record objections on your call sheet) If still undecided: Thanks so much for your time. (Candidate) hopes to earn your vote in the upcoming election. Have a great (day/night)!
GOTV (Early Voting) Script You need to know the early voting and absentee voting rules of your state. Based on the rules, you should design an voter engagement plan to get them to vote early. The purpose of this script is to educate identified supporters on early voting options and turn them out early. BANK THE VOTES! (Name of next voter on list) My name is. I m calling as a volunteer for (name of candidate). We have you on our list of committed supporters for (candidate). We wanted to call today and let you know about early voting options in (your state). Give a BRIEF overview of what the rules are. (Name of Voter), would you be interested in voting early so you can avoid long lines on Election Day? If YES: That s great. Early voting period goes from (give date ranges). Would it be ok, if we call and give you a reminder call? If NO: (Name of voter), you know the lines at the polls can get long on Election Day. We ll be coming to your neighborhood (on x days) to provide transportation to the voting center. May we come pick you up and take you to the polls early? (The goal is to engage with voter and find out their objections and handle them as effectively as possible)
GOTV (Election Day) Script The purpose of this script is to turn out all identified supporters on Election Day. You should plan on making 3-4 rounds of calls to identified supporters throughout the day. Once a voter tells you they ve voted, mark them off the list and move to the next voter. (Name of next voter on list) My name is. I m calling as a volunteer for (name of candidate). Today is Election Day. We just wanted to call and remind you to vote today. Q1. Have you voted yet? If YES: Thank you so much! We ll take you off our Election Day call list. If NO: Are you planning on going to the polls today? (engage them on voting. If they re having problems getting to the polls, offer to get them transportation.) REPEAT THIS SCRIPT 3-4 time throughout the day. Coordinate your activities with knock and drag teams.
Volunteer Recruitment Script There will be a multitude of reasons to engage volunteers in your campaign. The biggest reason people never volunteer is because their not asked. The purpose of this script is to call people who are identified donors and supporters to come to campaign headquarters and volunteer for the campaign. volunteer on list) (Name of next prospective My name is. I m calling on behalf of (name of candidate). He/she asked me to call you about an upcoming event at the campaign. (Provide details of the event and the specific actions you ll need from volunteers) would you be willing to come down to Campaign Headquarters and help us? If YES: Thank you so much! Ok, if you don t mind, let me get your email and I ll send you all the details and follow up with you 2 days prior to the event. Thanks so much for your help. If NO: I totally understand your busy schedule. Would you interested in other volunteer opportunities? (If yes) Can I get your email and I ll keep you updated on upcoming volunteer opportunities. Thanks so much for your time!
Yard Sign Script There are a lot of ways to get yard signs up in voters yards. One way is to call lists of supporters. The purpose of this script is to ask identified supporters if they are willing to put a yard sign on their property. volunteer on list) (Name of next prospective My name is. I m calling on behalf of (name of candidate). We have you as a supporter of (candidate). We are making a big push this week to get as many yard signs up to provide visibility for the candidate. We have several options for yard signs. (Provide details on what different sized signs that you have) would it be ok if we come by and put up a yard sign? If YES: Thank you so much! Ok, if you don t mind, let me get your email and confirm your address. Our sign volunteers will email and call you a day or so before they come by your house. If NO: I understand. Would you know of any other supporters of (candidate) that may want a yard sign? By the way, we have an upcoming event and will need several volunteers to help coordinate the event. Would you be interested in other volunteer opportunities? (If yes) Can I get your email and I ll send you all the details on the upcoming event. Thanks so much for your time!