Even if someone supports the candidate, that support doesn’t count unless they vote. GOTV is about making sure supporters follow through by voting.
GOTV is one of the most effort-intensive parts of the entire campaign. This is where volunteers play a crucial role in turning support into votes.
What We Do for GOTV
During Get Out The Vote (GOTV), our message is simple: Go out and vote. GOTV happens during advance polling days and on election day. Our approach changes from usual door-knocking, as we focus only on confirmed supporters.
We knock on their doors to check if they have voted. If not, we ask when they plan to vote. This way, other canvassers can follow up later as needed.
We sometimes encourage people to vote earlier, rather than waiting until the last minute. For example, we often say, “The polling station might be crowded and the line might be longer at the last minute. So, go vote in the morning to avoid the long waiting time.”
Sidetrack
Questions Become Simpler and Simpler
As election day approaches, the question becomes more focused.
- At the start of advance polls: “When do you plan to vote?”
- On the last day of advance voting: “Will you vote today or on election day?”
- Early in the election day: “Have you voted yet? Are you going in the morning or in the afternoon?”
- Election day afternoon: “Have you voted yet? This is the day we can vote.”
If someone has already voted, we may ask which candidate they chose. Giving this information is completely voluntary, but if they choose to share, it helps gather valuable data for future campaigns.
GOTV Literature
GOTV literature is different from regular campaign materials. Campaigns usually use door hangers with simple, clear information:
- The date and time to vote
- The polling station location
The GOTV campaign often starts early in the morning. Volunteers hang door hangers on supporters’ doors to remind them to vote. During the day, we knock on doors, but GOTV literature becomes useful here as well. If no one is home when canvassing, leave the door hanger so they’ll see it when they return home.
One important note: Always check the system (or printed list) before using GOTV literature to confirm that the polling station information matches the voter’s assigned location. Multiple polling stations often serve one riding and voters need to go to the one they are assigned.
Other GOTV Tasks
Besides door-knocking, volunteers help with:
- Phone Banking: Calling supporters to check if they have voted and reminding them to go.
- Bingo Sheets: Recording who has voted into the system, so canvassers don’t visit those homes again unnecessarily.
GOTV Is Rewarding
GOTV is one of the most rewarding parts of the campaign. Since we focus on supporters, we often receive positive responses:
- People thank us for reminding them.
- We see voters heading out to the polling station.
- Sometimes, we hear directly: “I already voted for your candidate.”
On election day, we may return once or twice if we haven’t confirmed their vote. The phone banking team also keeps calling them. Sometimes people say, “You are annoying me. I was planning to vote for your candidate, but now I won’t.” Unfortunately, there’s always a balance between helpful reminders and overstepping. Campaigns aim to be respectful while encouraging civic participation. However, as we knock on the doors of confirmed supporters on that day, we usually hear more positive reactions than negative ones.
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Key Takeaways from This Topic
What is a GOTV campaign?
GOTV stands for 'Get Out The Vote.' It’s a campaign effort focused on ensuring confirmed supporters actually cast their vote during advance polls or on election day.
What do volunteers do during GOTV?
Volunteers knock on doors, make calls, and check if supporters have voted. They offer reminders and encouragement to vote early to avoid last-minute lines.
What is GOTV literature and how is it used?
GOTV literature includes simple door hangers with polling station details and voting times. Volunteers leave them at doors to remind supporters to vote, especially if no one is home.
Is GOTV volunteering rewarding?
Yes. Volunteers often get positive responses from supporters and see the direct impact of their work as people head out to vote or thank them for the reminder.
What if someone gets annoyed during GOTV?
It happens. Campaigns try to balance encouragement with respect. Since GOTV targets confirmed supporters, most responses are positive, but some voters may feel over-contacted.