+30% more voter contacts for prepared canvassers
- Research shows prepared volunteers complete 30% more voter contacts per shift (Analyst Institute, 2023). They also report higher satisfaction and return for more shifts.
- Prepared canvassers knock more doors and have better conversations. Unprepared volunteers waste time and feel overwhelmed.
- First-time canvassers often feel nervous. That's normal. Preparation is the antidote to anxiety. When you know exactly what to bring, say, and do, confidence follows naturally.
The Night Before: What to Do
Start your canvassing preparation the evening before your shift. This prevents morning stress and forgotten items.
Night-before checklist:
- Charge your phone to 100%
- Download your canvassing app and test it works
- Review your assigned turf on the map
- Read through your script 2-3 times
- Check the weather forecast for tomorrow
- Set out comfortable clothes and shoes
- Pack your canvassing bag with essentials
- Set an alarm with buffer time for travel
Review your script out loud. Reading silently isn't enough. Practice saying your opener, key talking points, and common responses. This builds muscle memory.
If you're using a canvassing app, log in and confirm you can see your walk list. Technical issues are easier to solve the night before than five minutes before your shift.
What to Bring When Canvassing
Pack light but complete. You'll carry everything for 2-4 hours while walking neighborhoods.
Essential items for every canvasser:
- Fully charged phone
- Portable charger
- Water bottle
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen/hat or rain jacket
- Campaign literature
- Snacks
- ID badge or campaign shirt
- Pen and notepad
Don't overpack. A heavy bag slows you down. Stick to essentials that fit in a small backpack or crossbody bag.
For details informations, check our guide What to Bring When Canvassing.
What to Wear for Door-to-Door Canvassing
Dress comfortably, practically, and appropriately for the weather and neighborhood.
Footwear is critical. You'll walk several miles across sidewalks, grass, and stairs. Choose broken-in sneakers or walking shoes with good support. Avoid new shoes, sandals, or heels.
Dress code tips:
- Wear campaign-branded shirts if provided
- Avoid political statements unrelated to your campaign
- Look approachable but professional
- Skip heavy perfume or cologne
- Keep jewelry minimal (it can catch on doors or gates)
For detailed clothing recommendations, read our guide on what to wear when canvassing.
How to Review Your Canvassing Script
Knowing your script builds confidence. But you shouldn't sound robotic. Practice until talking points feel conversational.
Script review process:
- Read the full script silently once
- Read it out loud twice
- Practice just the opener 5 times
- Practice handling "not interested" responses
- Practice your closing ask
- Do a full run-through with a partner if possible
Focus on these key moments:
- Your 10-second opener (name, organization, purpose)
- Your 20-second benefit pitch
- Responses to common objections
- Your closing ask
Don't memorize word-for-word. Understand the key points and practice expressing them naturally. Voters respond better to authentic conversation than rehearsed speeches.
For complete script examples and talking points, read our guide on what to say when canvassing.
Practice with a partner if possible. Role-playing builds confidence faster than solo practice. Take turns being the canvasser and the voter. Try friendly voters, busy voters, and skeptical voters.
How to Study Your Turf and Route
Know where you're going before you arrive. Turf preparation saves time and prevents confusion in the field.
Turf review steps:
- Open your canvassing app or paper map
- Identify your assigned area boundaries
- Note the starting point and ending point
- Check for any access issues (gated communities, apartment buildings)
- Identify parking options nearby
- Estimate how long the turf will take
Questions to answer before you go:
- How many doors are on my list?
- What's the most efficient walking route?
- Are there any addresses I should skip (do not contact lists)?
- Where's the nearest bathroom or break spot?
- How will I get back to my starting point?
Qomon's Canvassing App provides optimized routes and turn-by-turn navigation. Volunteers see exactly where to go next without stopping to check paper maps.
Understanding your turf helps you pace yourself. Most canvassers complete 15-25 doors per hour depending on density and conversation length.
Mental Preparation: Managing Pre-Canvassing Anxiety
Feeling nervous before canvassing is completely normal. Even experienced volunteers get butterflies before their first door.
Common fears and how to address them:
Mindset shifts that help:
- You're offering information, not asking for a favor
- Most voters appreciate the personal contact
- Your job is to have conversations, not to convince everyone
- A "no" is just data—it helps your campaign focus resources
- Every door makes you better at the next one
Anxiety reduction techniques:
- Take three deep breaths before your first door
- Start with houses that look welcoming
- Remember that voters can't see your nervousness
- Focus on listening, not performing
- Celebrate small victories (good conversation, helpful data)
Ready to feel confident at every door? Discover Qomon's Canvassing App and access scripts, maps, and support right from your phone.
Safety Preparation Before You Go
Your safety comes first. Prepare for potential risks before heading into the field.
Safety checklist:
- Share your turf location with a friend or family member
- Save your team leader's phone number
- Know the emergency contact for your campaign
- Confirm your buddy partner if canvassing in pairs
- Check your phone's location sharing settings
- Review your organization's safety protocols
Situations to prepare for:
- Aggressive dogs (stay calm, back away slowly)
- Hostile residents (thank them and leave immediately)
- Unsafe-feeling neighborhoods (skip and notify your team)
- Extreme weather (know when to pause or stop)
- Medical emergencies (know location of nearest hospital)
For comprehensive safety guidance, read our complete guide on canvassing safety tips.
Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, leave. Your safety matters more than any single voter contact.
Day-of Preparation: Before You Leave
The morning of your shift, complete these final steps.
Morning-of checklist:
- Eat a good meal (you'll need energy)
- Dress appropriately for weather
- Double-check your bag has all essentials
- Confirm phone is charged and app works
- Review script one more time
- Check for any last-minute updates from your team
- Leave with enough travel time plus 10-minute buffer
Final mindset preparation:
- Set a personal goal (number of conversations, not outcomes)
- Remind yourself why this work matters
- Take a few deep breaths
- Smile—it affects your energy and tone
Arrive at your starting point 5-10 minutes early. This gives you time to orient yourself, test your app, and take a breath before starting.
For tips on making the most of your time in the field, read our guide on maximizing efficiency with a canvassing app.
Complete Canvassing Preparation Checklist
Print or screenshot this checklist before your shift.
The Night Before
- Phone charged to 100%
- Canvassing app downloaded and tested
- Turf reviewed on map
- Script read out loud 2-3 times
- Weather checked
- Clothes and shoes set out
- Bag packed with essentials
- Alarm set with buffer time
What to Pack
- Phone + portable charger
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Campaign literature
- Sunscreen/rain jacket (weather-dependent)
- ID badge or campaign shirt
- Pen and notepad (backup)
Morning Of
- Eat a good meal
- Final script review
- Confirm team leader contact info
- Share location with someone
- Leave with 10-minute buffer
At Your Turf
- App working properly
- First addresses identified
- Deep breath taken
- First door knocked
Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-intentioned canvassers make these errors. Learn from others' mistakes.
Technology mistakes:
- Not downloading the app until arrival (no wifi in the field)
- Forgetting to charge phone the night before
- Not testing app login before the shift
- Ignoring app tutorial or training
Material mistakes:
- Wearing new shoes that cause blisters
- Forgetting water on hot days
- Bringing too much and getting weighed down
- Not having campaign literature to leave
Script mistakes:
- Never practicing out loud
- Memorizing word-for-word and sounding robotic
- Not preparing for common objections
- Forgetting your opening line at the first door
Logistics mistakes:
- Arriving late and feeling rushed
- Not knowing where to park
- Not understanding turf boundaries
- Going alone when pairs were expected
The most "Qomon" questions
How early should I start preparing for my first canvassing shift?
Start the night before your shift. Charge your phone, pack your bag, and review your script. Morning-of preparation should be quick—just final checks and eating a good meal.
What if I forget my script while at the door?
That's okay. Glance at your phone or notes. Pause, take a breath, and continue. Voters understand you're a volunteer, not a professional speaker.
How do I prepare mentally if I'm feeling very anxious?
Practice your script until it feels natural. Remember that most voters are polite and brief encounters are normal. Start with one door at a time. Anxiety usually fades after the first few conversations.
What should I do if my canvassing app doesn't work in the field?
Always have a backup plan. Bring a pen and notepad to record responses manually. Know your turf well enough to navigate without GPS. Report tech issues to your team leader.
How long does a typical canvassing shift last?
Most shifts run 2-4 hours. Prepare enough water and snacks for your shift length. Wear comfortable shoes since you'll walk 2-5 miles depending on turf density.
