Editing Canvassing (section)

==Practice==

A modern election canvass may be conducted by a candidate, volunteers, and/or paid canvassers. The canvassers are given lists known as ''canvass sheets'' (or access to a canvassing app) or in the UK as ''reading pads''. These are a list of households to be contacted, generated from a [[voter database]]. Some campaigns today have replaced paper sheets with tablet or smartphone apps.<ref>Haydn Watters. "[http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/new-mobile-election-apps-mean-pressure-s-on-for-local-campaigns-1.3102068 New mobile election apps mean pressure's on for local campaigns] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222200607/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/new-mobile-election-apps-mean-pressure-s-on-for-local-campaigns-1.3102068 |date=2015-12-22 }}" ''CBC''  June 13, 2015</ref>

The canvasser will try to contact each of the households on their list, and deliver a script containing questions and persuasive messaging provided by the campaign. Almost all election canvassing includes asking how a person plans to vote. Supporters may then be asked themselves to volunteer, or to take a [[lawn sign]].<ref>Michael McNamara. ''The Political Campaign Desk Reference: A Guide for Campaign Managers and Candidates Running for Elected Office'' Outskirts Press, 2008. pg. 123</ref> Those who are wavering or undecided may be given a message of persuasion. If foot canvassing, the canvasser may also distribute flyers.

During the canvass, the results will be entered into the voter database. This will update the campaign's list of voters, removing those who have moved or are deceased and adding new residents who may have been found. The data on the questions will be used for further contact, a supporter may be added to a list for [[get out the vote]] or fundraising, while a hostile voter might be dropped from future contact.

It is important to remember to speak clearly and be personable while canvassing to create meaningful conversations and perhaps sway the undecided.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PreuxSEO |date=2024-05-16 |title=Political Canvassing 101: A Complete Guide for Campaign Success |url=https://rallyright.com/political-canvassing-101-a-complete-guide-for-campaign-success/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=RallyRight |language=en-US}}</ref> Most canvassers are prepared with a thorough script that they use at the door. Most are encouraged not to go off-script in order to avoid making false claims or misrepresenting the party they are advocating for. It is important to identify one’s target audience, keep conversations courteous, and employ social engineering techniques to promote the message.<ref>{{Cite web |last=VAN |first=NGP |date=2024-07-29 |title=Canvassing do’s and don’ts that every canvasser should know |url=https://www.ngpvan.com/blog/canvassing-dos-and-donts/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=NGP VAN |language=en-US}}</ref>