naples swfl 9.12 project precinct organizing

Naples SWFL 9.12 Naples SWFL 9.12 ProjectProject

Precinct OrganizingPrecinct Organizing19 June 201019 June 2010

WelcomeWelcome

• Captain Kirk and the US Constitution

• 4th Verse of the Star Spangled Banner

• Voter Database UpdateVoter Database Update– Excel Spreadsheets for each Precinct and MapsExcel Spreadsheets for each Precinct and Maps– Working on Walking Maps as a trial initiativeWorking on Walking Maps as a trial initiative

• Voter GuidesVoter Guides– Abigail Adams working on local oneAbigail Adams working on local one– Florida State ReferendumsFlorida State Referendums

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TopicsTopics

• Create a PlanCreate a Plan• How to Create a Precinct OrganizationHow to Create a Precinct Organization• Precinct TeamPrecinct Team• Precinct MeetingsPrecinct Meetings• Door to Door Canvassing (Precinct Block Door to Door Canvassing (Precinct Block

Walk)Walk)• Registering New VotersRegistering New Voters• Candidate and Issue InformationCandidate and Issue Information• GOTVGOTV

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CREATE A PLANCREATE A PLAN

• Develop a plan outlineDevelop a plan outline• Flesh out the details with your precinct Flesh out the details with your precinct

volunteersvolunteers

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The PlanThe Plan

• Dates fixed on state lawDates fixed on state law– Primary Election: (Aug 2010)Primary Election: (Aug 2010)– General Election: (Nov 2010)General Election: (Nov 2010)

• Community activity datesCommunity activity dates– Candidate ForumsCandidate Forums

• 23 June - Politics in the Park23 June - Politics in the Park• 12 July – GG Candidate Forum12 July – GG Candidate Forum• 25 July – FBC School Board Forum25 July – FBC School Board Forum• etcetc

The PlanThe Plan

• SWFL 9-12 Project activity datesSWFL 9-12 Project activity dates– TrainingTraining– Voter Guides AvailableVoter Guides Available

The PlanThe Plan

• Dates of your plan's activitiesDates of your plan's activities– Team RecruitmentTeam Recruitment– Organize PrecinctOrganize Precinct– Canvas PrecinctCanvas Precinct– Voter registrationVoter registration– Voter Guide DistributionVoter Guide Distribution– GOTVGOTV

Recruit and Train VolunteersRecruit and Train Volunteers

• Host an introductory eventHost an introductory event

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Recruit VolunteersRecruit Volunteers

• Reach out to personal social networksReach out to personal social networks

HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATIONORGANIZATION

1.1. Gather contact information Gather contact information 2.2. Get to know each otherGet to know each other

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3.3. Follow-upFollow-up4.4. Build an Excel database of prospectsBuild an Excel database of prospects

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5.5. Schedule monthly or bi-weekly eventsSchedule monthly or bi-weekly events

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6.6. Identify Precinct Leadership VolunteersIdentify Precinct Leadership Volunteers7.7. Keep the momentum growingKeep the momentum growing

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8.8. Start a friend-to-friend campaignStart a friend-to-friend campaign

9.9. Keep all prospective volunteers informedKeep all prospective volunteers informed

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Precinct TeamPrecinct TeamPRECINCT COORDINATOR ROLEPRECINCT COORDINATOR ROLE

• RecruitRecruit• Organize precinctOrganize precinct• Identify targeted votersIdentify targeted voters• Set goals and monitor resultsSet goals and monitor results• Inform votersInform voters• Distribute informationDistribute information• GOTV GOTV • Conduct gatheringsConduct gatherings• Liaison to other PrecinctsLiaison to other Precincts

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PRECINCT TEAM –SUPPORT PRECINCT TEAM –SUPPORT ROLESROLES

• Excel Database ManagerExcel Database Manager• Resource CoordinatorResource Coordinator• Voter Registration / Compliance ExpertVoter Registration / Compliance Expert• Training CoordinatorTraining Coordinator

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Precinct MeetingsPrecinct MeetingsPRECINCT CORE TEAM MEETINGPRECINCT CORE TEAM MEETING

• Identify responsibilities Identify responsibilities • Identify targeted voters Identify targeted voters • Develop Precinct Action PlanDevelop Precinct Action Plan• Plan Precinct Social MeetingsPlan Precinct Social Meetings

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PRECINCT VOLUNTEER PRECINCT VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENTRECRUITMENT

• Be non-partisan Be non-partisan • Like-minded organizationsLike-minded organizations• Call/ e-mail personal contactsCall/ e-mail personal contacts• Community leadersCommunity leaders• Robo-call likely voters from Voter RecordsRobo-call likely voters from Voter Records• Use flyersUse flyers• Block walk of precinctBlock walk of precinct• Reach out to local schoolsReach out to local schools

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LOGISTICS -PRECINCT “SOCIAL” LOGISTICS -PRECINCT “SOCIAL” GATHERINGGATHERING

• LocationsLocations• FoodFood• Name tags Name tags • Sign in sheet Sign in sheet • Provide handouts Provide handouts • Allow time for socializingAllow time for socializing

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AGENDA -PRECINCT “SOCIAL” AGENDA -PRECINCT “SOCIAL” GATHERINGGATHERING

• Facilitate a sense of common goals /community Facilitate a sense of common goals /community and motivate.and motivate.

• Provide an overview Provide an overview • Precinct organizing processPrecinct organizing process

– Precinct organizing action timeline and key Precinct organizing action timeline and key election related dates election related dates

– Explain where people fit into the process Explain where people fit into the process – How training and materials will be providedHow training and materials will be provided

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• Describe each precinct team task & ask for volunteersDescribe each precinct team task & ask for volunteers– Voter canvassing to identify likely voters and gather Voter canvassing to identify likely voters and gather

contact informationcontact information– Door-to-door persuasion to inform, educate, and Door-to-door persuasion to inform, educate, and

recruit voters using flyersrecruit voters using flyers– Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Team –importance of last Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Team –importance of last

72 hours prior to the election72 hours prior to the election• Early Voting and Mail-In-BallotsEarly Voting and Mail-In-Ballots• Election Day callers, drivers, poll checkers, and Election Day callers, drivers, poll checkers, and

baby sittersbaby sitters• Blockwalkers with Voter GuidesBlockwalkers with Voter Guides

– ““Social” event and fundraising ideasSocial” event and fundraising ideas– Data entry to keep the Voter Records updatedData entry to keep the Voter Records updated


• Ask people for contributions to help defray Ask people for contributions to help defray precinct organizing expenses. precinct organizing expenses. – Pass a basket or have one at the door with a Pass a basket or have one at the door with a

sign.sign.

TIPS -PRECINCT “SOCIAL” TIPS -PRECINCT “SOCIAL” GATHERINGGATHERING

• Stay on agendaStay on agenda– Designate a time keeperDesignate a time keeper– If an unexpected popular issue is raised, If an unexpected popular issue is raised,

take a vote to determine if want to take take a vote to determine if want to take 5-10 minutes to discuss issue 5-10 minutes to discuss issue immediately or later. Could also opt to immediately or later. Could also opt to assign volunteers or a committee.assign volunteers or a committee.

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• Overcome anxiety and/or burnoutOvercome anxiety and/or burnout– Indicate that taking action with like-Indicate that taking action with like-

minded neighbors is an antidoteminded neighbors is an antidote– Share local, state-wide, or national Share local, state-wide, or national

successessuccesses– Elections are often won or lost by small Elections are often won or lost by small

margins, each vote is importantmargins, each vote is important


• Provide periodic precinct updates. Provide periodic precinct updates. – May even start a precinct web site.May even start a precinct web site.– Assure that on follow-up e-mails will use Assure that on follow-up e-mails will use

blind-copy (bcc) feature to hide e-mail blind-copy (bcc) feature to hide e-mail addressesaddresses


• Assure to obtain suggestions, feedback, Assure to obtain suggestions, feedback, and critiques from volunteersand critiques from volunteers– What was done wellWhat was done well– What could be improved What could be improved

““PRIME THE PUMP”PRIME THE PUMP”

• Organization LeadersOrganization Leaders

• Go door-to-doorGo door-to-door– Train othersTrain others– Etc.Etc.

• Recruit Few Volunteers before MeetingRecruit Few Volunteers before Meeting– Old sales approachOld sales approach– Recruited volunteers will cause others to step-Recruited volunteers will cause others to step-

upup27

LEVERAGE ALL LEVERAGE ALL TOUCHPOINTSTOUCHPOINTS

• CallCall• Stop by houseStop by house• Send a noteSend a note• e-mail blastse-mail blasts• Precinct web site Precinct web site • Discussion or blog onlineDiscussion or blog online• Candidate ForumsCandidate Forums• Neighborhood Association MeetingsNeighborhood Association Meetings• ChurchesChurches

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Organize PrecinctOrganize Precinct

• Map the PrecinctMap the Precinct– STEP 1 -STEP 1 - Secure a precinct map from Secure a precinct map from

Supervisor of Elections office.Supervisor of Elections office.

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– STEP 2 -STEP 2 - If possible, divide your map into If possible, divide your map into neighborhoods and then blocks with no more neighborhoods and then blocks with no more than 20 residences in each block.than 20 residences in each block.


– STEP 3 -STEP 3 - Obtain a Registered voter Obtain a Registered voter spreadsheet from your County Supervisor of spreadsheet from your County Supervisor of Elections.Elections.


– STEP 4 -STEP 4 - Begin the search for block and Begin the search for block and area workers who will be responsiblearea workers who will be responsible


• Update Voter Records with Block walk Update Voter Records with Block walk resultsresults

Canvas PrecinctCanvas Precinct• "Do's and Don'ts of Canvassing”"Do's and Don'ts of Canvassing”• Utilize Block Walking ScriptUtilize Block Walking Script• Map of the area to be canvassedMap of the area to be canvassed• Divide by Neighborhood CaptainsDivide by Neighborhood Captains• List of registered votersList of registered voters• Set deadlines for the canvass to be completed Set deadlines for the canvass to be completed

Utilize Canvass formsUtilize Canvass forms• Obtain key voter dataObtain key voter data• Establish rapport with votersEstablish rapport with voters• Recruit VolunteersRecruit Volunteers• Enter data into databaseEnter data into database

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BLOCKWALK-MATERIALS BLOCKWALK-MATERIALS NEEDEDNEEDED

• Volunteer name badgeVolunteer name badge• Street walking lists with identified, targeted Street walking lists with identified, targeted

voters from Voter Records voters from Voter Records (Update with voter (Update with voter contact information and involvement interest, i.e. contact information and involvement interest, i.e. volunteer, join, or just keep informed)volunteer, join, or just keep informed)

• Precinct mapPrecinct map• Clipboard, pen, and pencilsClipboard, pen, and pencils• Voter feedback list to capture commentsVoter feedback list to capture comments

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BLOCKWALK-MATERIALS BLOCKWALK-MATERIALS NEEDEDNEEDED

• Door hangers or flyers to inform/educate, Door hangers or flyers to inform/educate, provide your contact information, and inform of provide your contact information, and inform of precinct meeting / social eventsprecinct meeting / social events

• 2010 Election important dates & location of 2010 Election important dates & location of polling locationpolling location

• Voter Registration FormsVoter Registration Forms• Mail-in/ Absentee Ballot ApplicationsMail-in/ Absentee Ballot Applications• Pre-addressed, stamped envelopes with County Pre-addressed, stamped envelopes with County

Clerk‘s addressClerk‘s address• Voter Guides when closer to electionVoter Guides when closer to election

OPTIMIUM OPTIMIUM BLOCKWALKING TIMESBLOCKWALKING TIMES

• Weekdays 4 p.m. -7 p.m.Weekdays 4 p.m. -7 p.m.

• Saturdays 10 a.m. -5 p.m.Saturdays 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

• Sundays 1 p.m. -7 p.m.Sundays 1 p.m. -7 p.m.

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VOTER DISCUSSION TIPSVOTER DISCUSSION TIPS

• Make a personal connectionMake a personal connection– Look for common concerns Look for common concerns – Use information from the Voter Record and Use information from the Voter Record and

observations as you approach the door observations as you approach the door ( political signs, children‘s toys, etc.) as aids ( political signs, children‘s toys, etc.) as aids to focus your messageto focus your message

– Use your own personal story of why you Use your own personal story of why you chose to get involvedchose to get involved

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• Listen to voter‘s concernsListen to voter‘s concerns– Good communication requires being a good Good communication requires being a good

listenerlistener


• Reassure them that you are a neighbor and a Reassure them that you are a neighbor and a volunteervolunteer– Volunteers and neighbors are most effective Volunteers and neighbors are most effective

in engaging likely votersin engaging likely voters


• Validate their opinionValidate their opinion– It‘s a two-way communication at the door, not It‘s a two-way communication at the door, not

a hard sella hard sell– If you argue and indicate that they are wrong, If you argue and indicate that they are wrong,

you‘ve lostyou‘ve lost


• Explain how Constitutional principles are Explain how Constitutional principles are relevant and important in regard to today‘s relevant and important in regard to today‘s issuesissues– Use simple languageUse simple language– Be sincere, truthful, and genuineBe sincere, truthful, and genuine– Draw favorable distinctions between your Draw favorable distinctions between your

position and the opposition to Constitutional position and the opposition to Constitutional principlesprinciples


• End with a call to action, such as please End with a call to action, such as please volunteer, join, vote, or read the brochurevolunteer, join, vote, or read the brochure

SAMPLE RESPONSESSAMPLE RESPONSES

• ““I am not aware of anyI am not aware of any issues and don‘t really issues and don‘t really care much about the political process”‖care much about the political process”‖– You may not be aware of the issues and their You may not be aware of the issues and their

significance, because the mainstream media significance, because the mainstream media does not properly report the issues.does not properly report the issues.

– The politicians, in violation of Constitutional The politicians, in violation of Constitutional principles, are assuming full control of principles, are assuming full control of everything that affects you and are thus taking everything that affects you and are thus taking away your liberties and money (in higher away your liberties and money (in higher taxes).taxes).

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• ““I always vote the Party line”‖I always vote the Party line”‖– I am sure they‘ve appreciated your loyalty, but I am sure they‘ve appreciated your loyalty, but

even within the existing Parties there is now even within the existing Parties there is now dissention based on where the Parties have dissention based on where the Parties have taken this country.taken this country.

– In fact, many Party loyalists are leaving the In fact, many Party loyalists are leaving the Parties. In recent polling ―Tea Party‖ Parties. In recent polling ―Tea Party‖ candidates are now preferred over either candidates are now preferred over either Party.Party.


• ““They are all corrupt”They are all corrupt”– Certainly one may get that impression Certainly one may get that impression

because the media focuses on corrupt because the media focuses on corrupt politicians and of course power does tend to politicians and of course power does tend to corrupt.corrupt.

– Because of this concern many good citizens Because of this concern many good citizens are choosing to run for office for the first time are choosing to run for office for the first time ever in an effort to do something about this ever in an effort to do something about this corrupting influence in current politics.corrupting influence in current politics.


• ““My vote doesn‘t matter anyway”My vote doesn‘t matter anyway”– Democrats in 2008 won key states by gaining Democrats in 2008 won key states by gaining

only 10 more Democratic votes in each only 10 more Democratic votes in each precinct.precinct.

– It is this realization, that a few votes can make It is this realization, that a few votes can make an important difference, of why have gotten an important difference, of why have gotten involved and volunteered to go door-to-door.involved and volunteered to go door-to-door.


• You get the idea. The message is “you are You get the idea. The message is “you are not alone and together we CAN make a not alone and together we CAN make a difference.difference.

BLOCKWALKING –NO ONE BLOCKWALKING –NO ONE HOMEHOME

• Door hangers / post it notesDoor hangers / post it notes

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DO’SDO’S OF A PRECINCT OF A PRECINCT BLOCKWALKBLOCKWALK

• Eye contactEye contact• Use Script and listen Use Script and listen • Focus on issuesFocus on issues• Focus on the planFocus on the plan• Be pleasant and friendlyBe pleasant and friendly

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DO’SDO’S OF A PRECINCT OF A PRECINCT BLOCKWALKBLOCKWALK

• Get the voter‘s contact information –phone Get the voter‘s contact information –phone numbers & e-mail.numbers & e-mail.

• Follow upFollow up• Leave information Leave information • Refer inquiries to the Precinct CoordinatorRefer inquiries to the Precinct Coordinator• Update Voter RecordsUpdate Voter Records

DON’TSDON’TS OF A PRECINCT OF A PRECINCT BLOCKWALKBLOCKWALK

• Blockwalk aloneBlockwalk alone• Go into homes or apartments, even if invitedGo into homes or apartments, even if invited• Go into fenced and gated yardsGo into fenced and gated yards• Walk across people‘s yardsWalk across people‘s yards• Wear offensive clothingWear offensive clothing• Hard sell or argue Hard sell or argue

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DON’TSDON’TS OF A PRECINCT OF A PRECINCT BLOCKWALKBLOCKWALK

• AntagonizeAntagonize• Raise controversial issuesRaise controversial issues• Make derogatory remarks about specific political Make derogatory remarks about specific political

organizations, candidates, or officeholdersorganizations, candidates, or officeholders• Make statements about candidates which cannot Make statements about candidates which cannot

be provenbe proven• Place anything in a mailbox –It is AGAINST the Place anything in a mailbox –It is AGAINST the

LAWLAW

Block Walking ScriptBlock Walking Script

• Hello: My name is _______. I am a concerned Hello: My name is _______. I am a concerned citizen from your neighborhood who is troubled citizen from your neighborhood who is troubled by how politicians of both parties are by how politicians of both parties are bankrupting our country and are jeopardizing our bankrupting our country and are jeopardizing our children‘s and grandchildren‘s future.children‘s and grandchildren‘s future.

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• Are you concerned about what is going on in Are you concerned about what is going on in Washington?Washington?NO–What political party do you belong to?NO–What political party do you belong to?

Do you plan to vote in November‘s election?Do you plan to vote in November‘s election?Thank you for your time. Good-bye.Thank you for your time. Good-bye.

Yes -Great! It‘s nice to meet others who are concerned. Yes -Great! It‘s nice to meet others who are concerned. We are trying to identify voters in the neighborhood so We are trying to identify voters in the neighborhood so that we can work together to elect candidates who that we can work together to elect candidates who believe in Constitutional Principles of limited believe in Constitutional Principles of limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms.government, free markets, and individual freedoms.


• Might you, or anyone living in this household, be Might you, or anyone living in this household, be interested in volunteering to help us with this interested in volunteering to help us with this initiative. ---YES ---Indicate on Voter Recordinitiative. ---YES ---Indicate on Voter Record

• Is your phone number still Is your phone number still __________________? ---Fix or get # and __________________? ---Fix or get # and record.record.


• Do you have a cell phone? E-mail? It would Do you have a cell phone? E-mail? It would make it easier for us to communicate with you make it easier for us to communicate with you and send you information regarding educational and send you information regarding educational events or information about the upcoming events or information about the upcoming election. ---Add cell phone and e-mail election. ---Add cell phone and e-mail information to Voter Record.information to Voter Record.

• Does anyone living here need to register to vote Does anyone living here need to register to vote or need to vote by mail (absentee)? ---YES ---or need to vote by mail (absentee)? ---YES ---provide the forms.provide the forms.

Voter Registration Voter Registration Caution!Caution!

• Per Tim Durham (Chief Deputy Supervisor of Elections of Per Tim Durham (Chief Deputy Supervisor of Elections of Collier County).Collier County).

• Florida Statute 97.021 paragraph 36:Florida Statute 97.021 paragraph 36:– “ “Third-party registration organization” means any person, entity, or Third-party registration organization” means any person, entity, or

organization organization soliciting soliciting or collecting voter registration applications. or collecting voter registration applications. – The new interpretation is that: “The new interpretation is that: “solicitingsoliciting” means “if the person says ” means “if the person says

anything at the time of distributing the applications such as anything at the time of distributing the applications such as requesting the persons to complete the applications and to send them requesting the persons to complete the applications and to send them in, or makes any kind of plea about completing the applications, then in, or makes any kind of plea about completing the applications, then it becomes “soliciting” which would make the person a 3it becomes “soliciting” which would make the person a 3rdrd PVRO”. PVRO”.

• A violation could result in fines of $1,000.A violation could result in fines of $1,000.• The most you can do is give them a form. No other The most you can do is give them a form. No other

encouragement is allowed without becoming a 3encouragement is allowed without becoming a 3rdrd PVRO. PVRO.• To pick up forms to hand out, you must sign a waiver that To pick up forms to hand out, you must sign a waiver that

acknowledges you understand the requirement.acknowledges you understand the requirement.


• Here is a flyer with information about our Here is a flyer with information about our organization, how we can be contacted, and organization, how we can be contacted, and information about upcoming educational events.information about upcoming educational events.

• Thank you for your time . I hope to see you Thank you for your time . I hope to see you soon.soon.

KEY VOTER DATAKEY VOTER DATA• Assure Voter Records Correct Assure Voter Records Correct (From Supervisor (From Supervisor

of Elections)of Elections)– Name and addressName and address– Party affiliation –DEM, REP, NPA or other Party affiliation –DEM, REP, NPA or other

_______._______.– Voting intent –always, sometime, and neverVoting intent –always, sometime, and never

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KEY VOTER DATAKEY VOTER DATA• Added Information from BlockwalkingAdded Information from Blockwalking

– Not home –left contact information & follow-up trackingNot home –left contact information & follow-up tracking– Phone numberPhone number– e-Maile-Mail– Support intensity, e.g. volunteer, join, or just interestedSupport intensity, e.g. volunteer, join, or just interested– Voter Registration & trackingVoter Registration & tracking

• Given applicationGiven application• Sent in applicationSent in application• Confirmed registered by Supervisor of ElectionsConfirmed registered by Supervisor of Elections

– Given flyer, door-hanger, etc.Given flyer, door-hanger, etc.– Special needs situation –will need ride to polls on GOTVSpecial needs situation –will need ride to polls on GOTV

KEY VOTER DATAKEY VOTER DATA

• GOTV Tracking Records, starting with Blockwalk GOTV Tracking Records, starting with Blockwalk contactcontact– Mail-In Ballot contact & trackingMail-In Ballot contact & tracking

• Given applicationGiven application• Sent in applicationSent in application• Received BallotReceived Ballot• Sent in ballotSent in ballot

– Early Voting contactsEarly Voting contacts– Election Day contactsElection Day contacts

REGISTERING NEW VOTERSREGISTERING NEW VOTERS

• The County Clerk‘s office will provide voter The County Clerk‘s office will provide voter registration formsregistration forms

• Target like-minded, Constitutional principled Target like-minded, Constitutional principled citizens for registrationcitizens for registration

• Determine disposition during BlockwalkingDetermine disposition during Blockwalking

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REGISTERING NEW VOTERSREGISTERING NEW VOTERS

• Identify candidates at events –PTO meetings, Identify candidates at events –PTO meetings, sports events, colleges, high schools, sports events, colleges, high schools, naturalization ceremonies, storesnaturalization ceremonies, stores

• Identify ―New people moving into your Identify ―New people moving into your neighborhoodneighborhood

• Voter registration applications must be received Voter registration applications must be received by the county voter registrar thirty days before by the county voter registrar thirty days before an election in order to vote in that electionan election in order to vote in that election– 26 July for Primary26 July for Primary– 4 October for General4 October for General

GOTV STRATEGYGOTV STRATEGY

• Allocating resources, time, and volunteers wisely Allocating resources, time, and volunteers wisely is the key to carrying out a successful GOTV is the key to carrying out a successful GOTV campaign operationcampaign operation– Late September –hold a GOTV planning Late September –hold a GOTV planning

session with the Precinct Core Team and session with the Precinct Core Team and volunteersvolunteers

– Early October –check with each volunteer Early October –check with each volunteer who signed up to help with GOTV Strategywho signed up to help with GOTV Strategy

– At least 10 days before Election Day, review At least 10 days before Election Day, review GOTV plan and assure each team member is GOTV plan and assure each team member is clear about their role and time commitment. clear about their role and time commitment. Review targeted Voter Record and assure Review targeted Voter Record and assure that it is up to date with contact information that it is up to date with contact information and have GOTV entry columns.and have GOTV entry columns.

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• Call voters who received Mail-in Ballots to assure that Call voters who received Mail-in Ballots to assure that they are returned or to influence their vote based on they are returned or to influence their vote based on principles.principles.– Obtain list for these voters, who requested Mail-in Obtain list for these voters, who requested Mail-in

Ballots, from the Board of Elections Ballots, from the Board of Elections – In some States, can request daily e-mail lists from In some States, can request daily e-mail lists from

Board of Elections of voters requesting Mail-in ballotsBoard of Elections of voters requesting Mail-in ballots– Depending on State, Mail-in ballots are sent out 45 Depending on State, Mail-in ballots are sent out 45

days ahead of Election for Military and 20 days ahead days ahead of Election for Military and 20 days ahead for all others for all others

– May need to be affiliated with party or be a candidate May need to be affiliated with party or be a candidate to obtainto obtain

– Do not contact these voters again via methods listed Do not contact these voters again via methods listed belowbelow


• Before the start of the Early Voting periodBefore the start of the Early Voting period– Robo-call or phone-bank call 100% of Robo-call or phone-bank call 100% of

targeted voterstargeted voters– Go door-to-door reaching roughly 75% of Go door-to-door reaching roughly 75% of

targeted voterstargeted voters


• Within the last 72 hours prior to Election DayWithin the last 72 hours prior to Election Day– Robo-call or phone-bank call 100% of targeted votersRobo-call or phone-bank call 100% of targeted voters– Go door-to-door reaching roughly 75% of targeted Go door-to-door reaching roughly 75% of targeted

votersvoters– Be sure to focus on targeted voters who don‘t always Be sure to focus on targeted voters who don‘t always

vote (lazy voters)vote (lazy voters)• On Election DayOn Election Day

– 50% of targeted voters should receive calls50% of targeted voters should receive calls– 25% of targeted voters should receive door knocks25% of targeted voters should receive door knocks– Be sure to focus on targeted voters who don‘t always Be sure to focus on targeted voters who don‘t always

vote (lazy voters)vote (lazy voters)

GOTV PREPARATIONGOTV PREPARATION

• Get voters to Get voters to Vote Early. This allows you to use Vote Early. This allows you to use your resources more effectively.your resources more effectively.

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• Finalize the final list of targeted voters at least Finalize the final list of targeted voters at least 10 days before Election Day. 10 days before Election Day. – Assure all contact information has been Assure all contact information has been

entered. entered. – Assure that GOTV tracking columns exist to Assure that GOTV tracking columns exist to

manage contacts during hectic final days manage contacts during hectic final days leading up to Election Day. For example, Mail-leading up to Election Day. For example, Mail-in Ballot tracking, Early Voting tracking, and in Ballot tracking, Early Voting tracking, and phone/ e-mail/ door-to-door contacting leading phone/ e-mail/ door-to-door contacting leading up to Election Day.up to Election Day.


• Identify elderly and disabled voters and provide Identify elderly and disabled voters and provide them with Mail-in ballot applications them with Mail-in ballot applications

• Assure all targeted voters are registered at least Assure all targeted voters are registered at least 30 days before election day.30 days before election day.


• Inform voters of election day and early voting Inform voters of election day and early voting schedule, including polling locationsschedule, including polling locations– Send postcards , Robo-call, phone-bank call, Send postcards , Robo-call, phone-bank call,

or e-mailsor e-mails– Blockwalk with handouts of this informationBlockwalk with handouts of this information

• Find ride services to get voters to the polls.Find ride services to get voters to the polls.

GOTV BLOCKWALKINGGOTV BLOCKWALKING

• Best Times for Early Voting PeriodBest Times for Early Voting Period– Contact every targeted voter who has not yet Contact every targeted voter who has not yet

voted via Mail-in ballotvoted via Mail-in ballot– Weekdays Weekdays

• Target 65+ year olds for Mail-in ballots and Target 65+ year olds for Mail-in ballots and rides to poll –have system in place to rides to poll –have system in place to immediately provide transportationimmediately provide transportation

• Otherwise, target all other voters from 5 p.m. Otherwise, target all other voters from 5 p.m. until darkuntil dark

– WeekendsWeekends• Saturdays –10 a.m. until polls closeSaturdays –10 a.m. until polls close• Sunday –1 p.m. until polls closeSunday –1 p.m. until polls close

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GOTV BLOCKWALKINGGOTV BLOCKWALKING

• On Election DayOn Election Day– Contact every targeted voter who has not Contact every targeted voter who has not

voted yetvoted yet– Walk all dayWalk all day– If phoning does not get results, contact voters If phoning does not get results, contact voters

at their door between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.at their door between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

GOTV BLOCKWALKINGGOTV BLOCKWALKING• Election Day Discussion Script:Election Day Discussion Script:

– ““Hi, I’m ______ (your name) working to make sure all supporters Hi, I’m ______ (your name) working to make sure all supporters who believe in limited government, free markets, and individual who believe in limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms vote in today’s Election. Have you voted yet?”freedoms vote in today’s Election. Have you voted yet?”

– If YES –If YES –“Thanks!”“Thanks!”– If NO –If NO –“Will you be able to get to the polling place at _____ by “Will you be able to get to the polling place at _____ by

____ p.m.?”____ p.m.?”• If YES –If YES –“That’s great. Every vote is extremely important!” “That’s great. Every vote is extremely important!”

(Remind the voter of the IDs that will be acceptable.)(Remind the voter of the IDs that will be acceptable.)• If NO –If NO –“Every vote is extremely important –many elections “Every vote is extremely important –many elections

are won or lost by a small margin of votes. Is there are won or lost by a small margin of votes. Is there something I can do to help you get to the polls like something I can do to help you get to the polls like transportation or baby sitting?” (Continue the discussion transportation or baby sitting?” (Continue the discussion based on the reason the voter says they cannot vote.)based on the reason the voter says they cannot vote.)

GOTV PHONE BANKINGGOTV PHONE BANKING

• Have a phone team make calls or Robo-call Have a phone team make calls or Robo-call during the 3rdweek of October to:during the 3rdweek of October to:– Targeted voters who were not contacted by Targeted voters who were not contacted by

door-to-door canvassers door-to-door canvassers ( Use Blockwalker’s ( Use Blockwalker’s script )script )

– Voters leaning toward voting on principles or Voters leaning toward voting on principles or Undecided voters and who did not receive a Undecided voters and who did not receive a follow-up contact by a door-to-door canvasserfollow-up contact by a door-to-door canvasser

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• On Election DayOn Election Day– Contact every targeted voter who has not Contact every targeted voter who has not

voted yetvoted yet– By phone at least twice until they have voted. By phone at least twice until they have voted. – The last call should be after 4:30 p.m.The last call should be after 4:30 p.m.


• Use the same script as is used by Blockwalkers Use the same script as is used by Blockwalkers on Election Dayon Election Day


• Using a 30 second script, one caller can make Using a 30 second script, one caller can make about 50 calls per hourabout 50 calls per hour

MAIL-IN BALLOT GOTV PLANMAIL-IN BALLOT GOTV PLAN(Vote From Home)(Vote From Home)

• Offer Absentee Mail-in Ballot Applications with Offer Absentee Mail-in Ballot Applications with stamped envelopes, addressed to the County stamped envelopes, addressed to the County Clerk, to all targeted voters in the precinct –Clerk, to all targeted voters in the precinct –explain the convenience of explain the convenience of voting from homevoting from home..

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• Within one week, follow-up with each voter who Within one week, follow-up with each voter who took an application to make sure it is filled out took an application to make sure it is filled out completely and mailed in time.completely and mailed in time.– ““Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m

a neighborhood precinct volunteer and am a neighborhood precinct volunteer and am just checking to see if you had a chance to just checking to see if you had a chance to get your application for a Mail-in Ballot to the get your application for a Mail-in Ballot to the County Clerk.”County Clerk.”

– If YES –If YES –“That’s great!”“That’s great!”– If NO –If NO –“What can I do to help?”“What can I do to help?”


• If you can, monitor the County Clerk records for If you can, monitor the County Clerk records for Clerk‘s receipts of application and mailing ballot Clerk‘s receipts of application and mailing ballot back to the voter.back to the voter.


• Follow-up with voters to make sure they receive their Follow-up with voters to make sure they receive their ballots and that they mailed them back to the Clerk on ballots and that they mailed them back to the Clerk on time.time.– ““Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m a Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m a

neighborhood precinct volunteer and I am just neighborhood precinct volunteer and I am just checking to see if you have received your Mail-in checking to see if you have received your Mail-in Ballot from the County Clerk.”Ballot from the County Clerk.”

– If YES –If YES –“That’s great! Remember it needs to be back “That’s great! Remember it needs to be back in the Clerk’s office by ____ (deadline).”in the Clerk’s office by ____ (deadline).”

– If NO –If NO –“You can check on it by calling the Clerk at “You can check on it by calling the Clerk at (phone number). Once you receive it, you will need to (phone number). Once you receive it, you will need to get it back to the Clerk’s office by ____ (deadline).”get it back to the Clerk’s office by ____ (deadline).”


• You cannot have an open Mail-in Ballot in your You cannot have an open Mail-in Ballot in your possession. You cannot assist the voter in filling possession. You cannot assist the voter in filling out the ballot. out the ballot.

EARLY VOTING GOTV PLANEARLY VOTING GOTV PLAN

• Contact every targeted voter who did not take a Contact every targeted voter who did not take a Mail-in Ballot ApplicationsMail-in Ballot Applications

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• Use the following script: Use the following script: “Hello (voter’s name). “Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m a neighborhood precinct This is (your name). I’m a neighborhood precinct volunteer and I am contacting you to let you volunteer and I am contacting you to let you know that you can vote early on _____ (dates) know that you can vote early on _____ (dates) at ________ (location) during ______ (times).‖at ________ (location) during ______ (times).‖


• If you have access to the County Clerk‘s records If you have access to the County Clerk‘s records that show if voters have early voted, then you that show if voters have early voted, then you can wait until near the end of the early voting can wait until near the end of the early voting period and then just contact those who have not period and then just contact those who have not yet voted.yet voted.

ELECTION DAY GOTV PLANELECTION DAY GOTV PLAN

• Poll checkers keep track of who has voted at the Poll checkers keep track of who has voted at the pools and feeds that information back to the pools and feeds that information back to the precinct Election Day Team so they will know precinct Election Day Team so they will know who they still need to encourage to vote.who they still need to encourage to vote.

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• If there will be official poll checkers, find out how If there will be official poll checkers, find out how you can periodically get an updated list for your you can periodically get an updated list for your precinct on Election Day.precinct on Election Day.


• If not, find out if you can have your own precinct If not, find out if you can have your own precinct volunteers at the polls, checking who votes and volunteers at the polls, checking who votes and feeding you updated lists.feeding you updated lists.


• Provide transportation for voters who need itProvide transportation for voters who need it• If a Mail-in ballot was not mailed in, the voter If a Mail-in ballot was not mailed in, the voter

may opt to vote in person by returning the ballot may opt to vote in person by returning the ballot to the Election Judge.to the Election Judge.

CANDIDATE VETTING WITH VOTER CANDIDATE VETTING WITH VOTER GUIDESGUIDES

• Homemakers of America‘s Abigail Adams Homemakers of America‘s Abigail Adams Project is creating non-partisan Voter Guides to Project is creating non-partisan Voter Guides to assure that candidates who support assure that candidates who support Constitutional principles and values are elected. Constitutional principles and values are elected.

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• It is a nationwide voter initiative to provide It is a nationwide voter initiative to provide information to the voters on the candidates, i.e. information to the voters on the candidates, i.e. who they are and where they stand on the who they are and where they stand on the issues from the President of the United States all issues from the President of the United States all the way down to the school board in every city, the way down to the school board in every city, county, and state in the nation.county, and state in the nation.


• These Voter Guides can be disseminated before These Voter Guides can be disseminated before elections by organizations‘ volunteers who go elections by organizations‘ volunteers who go door-to-door using the precinct organizing door-to-door using the precinct organizing methodology. methodology.


• This non-partisan Voter Guide concept has been This non-partisan Voter Guide concept has been tested for the past four general elections in tested for the past four general elections in Dayton, Ohio and it has been phenomenal in Dayton, Ohio and it has been phenomenal in what a difference it made. what a difference it made.


• Homemakers of America has partnered with Homemakers of America has partnered with national organizations such as ―As A Mom, national organizations such as ―As A Mom, ―Family Security Matters, and with state ―Family Security Matters, and with state organizations such as 9/12 and Tea Parties. organizations such as 9/12 and Tea Parties.

• They would welcome volunteers from any like-They would welcome volunteers from any like-minded organization to help with the creation of minded organization to help with the creation of these Voter Guides.these Voter Guides.

CANDIDATE VETTING WITH CANDIDATE VETTING WITH TOWNHALLSTOWNHALLS

• Audience members ask questions of the Audience members ask questions of the candidate in a real time fashion. candidate in a real time fashion. – When audience members enter the townhall When audience members enter the townhall

event, ask if would like to ask a question.event, ask if would like to ask a question.– Give them a card to fill out with their name.Give them a card to fill out with their name.

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• Before getting started each candidate will have 5 Before getting started each candidate will have 5 minutes to voice his/her reasons for running minutes to voice his/her reasons for running

• In order to maintain objectivity In order to maintain objectivity – Ask a member of the audience to select cards Ask a member of the audience to select cards

at random at random – The person selected from the card will be The person selected from the card will be

allowed to direct questions to the participants.allowed to direct questions to the participants.


• Each candidate will then have 3 minutes to Each candidate will then have 3 minutes to answer the question. answer the question. – The person asking the question will have an The person asking the question will have an

opportunity to ask one follow up question, if opportunity to ask one follow up question, if desired. desired.

– That person may ask a different candidate the That person may ask a different candidate the same question or a follow up with the original same question or a follow up with the original candidatecandidate


• Any question directed to the candidate with a Any question directed to the candidate with a yes or no requested answer will be required to yes or no requested answer will be required to answer with a yes or no. answer with a yes or no. – The candidate will then be given the allotted 3 The candidate will then be given the allotted 3

minutes to explain his/her position.minutes to explain his/her position.


• At the end of the question and answer period At the end of the question and answer period each candidate will have 3 minutes for a closing each candidate will have 3 minutes for a closing statement.statement.

• After the event compile a voter guide from all After the event compile a voter guide from all questions and answers to distribute throughout questions and answers to distribute throughout the precinct.the precinct.

RECLAIM PARTIES VIA PRECINCT RECLAIM PARTIES VIA PRECINCT EXECUTIVESEXECUTIVES

• Precinct Organizing can be leveraged to elect Precinct Organizing can be leveraged to elect Constitution principle based candidates to Constitution principle based candidates to Precinct Executive positions of either Party. Precinct Executive positions of either Party.

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• Precinct Executives can run for higher offices Precinct Executives can run for higher offices within each Party‘s organizational structure with within each Party‘s organizational structure with ever increasing influence over Party candidate ever increasing influence over Party candidate selection and election funding. selection and election funding.


• The outcome should be more Constitutional The outcome should be more Constitutional principle based candidates from each of these principle based candidates from each of these Parties. Parties.


• While, Precinct Executives joining the party now While, Precinct Executives joining the party now will not be able to impact Party candidate will not be able to impact Party candidate selection and funding for the November, 2010 selection and funding for the November, 2010 election, they should be able to have an impact election, they should be able to have an impact on the 2012 elections.on the 2012 elections.


• 75% of these positions are currently vacant in 75% of these positions are currently vacant in Collier County and you have a great chance to Collier County and you have a great chance to fill these positions by just applying. fill these positions by just applying.

Thank You Thank You

• Remember two things:Remember two things:1.1. It’s not about the partiesIt’s not about the parties

2.2. You are not aloneYou are not alone

naples swfl 9.12 project precinct organizing

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