Let’s look at the kinds of tasks you can do as a volunteer in a campaign office. These are common campaign activities, but each campaign is different. Not every campaign includes all of these efforts, as the approach depends on the type of riding and the campaign’s overall strategy.
Door-Knocking
Canvassing, or door-knocking, is one of the main tasks volunteers do during a campaign. For canvassing, we visit the addresses provided by the campaign, knock on doors, and have short conversations with constituents. You can find more details about door-knocking in the dedicated section.
Phone Banking
Phone banking involves making calls to people on a list provided by the campaign. The tasks vary. Some calls are similar to door-knocking, asking questions to identify supporters. Other calls focus on finding volunteers, such as drivers to transport canvassers or giving rides to voters. We also call people who have already signed up as volunteers, especially to schedule them for advance polls or election day.
Literature Drop
A literature drop is similar to canvassing, but there’s no need to knock or have a conversation. Volunteers simply deliver campaign materials, like flyers or door hangers, to the addresses on the list. This task is ideal for someone with a car because it often involves visiting many doors across different neighborhoods quickly.
Sign Installation
Sign installation involves placing yard signs at supporters’ homes or in strategic public spots, like along major roads. After election day, most cities, including Toronto1, Vancouver2, and others, require signs to be taken down within a certain number of days. Volunteers help both with setting up signs before the election and removing them afterward.
Outreach Table
Some campaigns set up a table in public spaces to engage in conversation with constituents and provide information about the candidate.
Sign Waving
In some campaigns, volunteers stand along busy roads waving signs to show support and visibility. In other cases, large signs are mounted on pickup trucks and driven through neighbourhoods.
Lawn Signs
If you have a front yard or a window facing the street, you can help by putting up a sign to show your support. You can pick up a sign from the campaign office, as many people do when the office first opens.
If you prefer, you can request a sign through the campaign. They will send a team to install it for you and take it down after the election. Signs come in different sizes, so you can choose one that suits your space and visibility.
Many Other Tasks
Campaign offices always have a variety of tasks. If you’d like to help, just ask the campaign staff what kind of support they currently need.
Action
Sign Up as a Volunteer
Once you sign up to volunteer, the party or campaign will contact you by email or phone when they have opportunities available.
Key Takeaways from This Topic
What are common volunteer roles during an election campaign?
Volunteers help with door-knocking, phone banking, literature drops, sign installation, outreach tables, and more. Each campaign assigns tasks based on local needs and strategy.
What does door-knocking involve?
Volunteers visit specific addresses to speak briefly with voters, identify supporters, and share campaign information.
What is a literature drop?
A literature drop means leaving flyers or door hangers at voters’ homes without knocking. It’s a fast task, often ideal for volunteers with a car.
How do volunteers help with campaign signs?
Volunteers install yard signs at supporters’ homes and along roads, and later remove them after the election, as required by city rules.
What is sign waving?
Volunteers hold signs at busy intersections or ride in trucks with mounted signs to boost visibility for the campaign.
Can I show support with a sign at home?
Yes. You can request a lawn or window sign from the campaign office. Volunteers can install and remove it for you.
Are there other volunteer tasks besides canvassing and calling?
Yes. Campaign offices often need help with setup, logistics, data entry, or event support. Just ask what’s needed.
References
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Election Signs, City of Toronto ↩
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Sign By-law - User Guides - Election Signs, City of Vancouver ↩