TheVoicesOfAmerica.org Precinct organizing Best Practices

THEVOICESOFAMERICA.ORGPRECINCT ORGANIZING BEST PRACTICES

AGENDA

Topic PresenterIntroduction Kimberly FletcherPrecinct Organizing Peter WolfVoter Guides Kimberly FletcherCandidate Nights Warren EdstromQuestions Warren Edstrom

All Content Available on Web SiteTheVoicesOfAmerica.org

Not an Organization Precinct Organizing Best Practices

Methodology

THE ROAD TO SERFDOM Dependency vs. Jobs

Spending & Debt

Tax & Redistribution

Equality / Social Justice & Rules / Regulations

Loss of Freedoms & Government/ Corporate Elite

GEORGE WASHINGTON 0N PARTIES“However [political parties] may now

and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the

reins of government, destroying afterwards the very

engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion”.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Farewell Address September 17, 1796

SWOT ANALYSES Strength – informed, passionate,

volunteers

Weakness – grassroots, lack funding

Opportunity – elections won locally with votes

Threat – political parties dominate

MESSAGING & GOTV = WIN ELECTIONS 79% of voters think that it is possible the economy could collapse

Democrats -72% Republicans – 84% Independents - 80%

Those who think the government is too big Democrats – 49% Republicans - 84% Independents - 74%

56% of people say they think the federal government has become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens.

Democrats - 37% Republicans - 70% Independents - 63%

Source: CNN – February 26, 2010 ---- Rasmussen – February 9, 2010 ---- Fox News – March 23, 2010;

“SILENT MAJORITY” CAN WIN ELECTIONS 76% Of Electorate Are Like-Minded

40% are Conservative 36% are Moderate 20% are Liberal

Conservatives Now Outnumber Liberals in All 50 States

October 26, 2009 Gallup Poll

BUILD ORGANIZATION & GOTV Leverages “Tea Party” Strength

Proven Method Already Exists

Civic Responsibility vs. Politics

Tax & Freedoms vs. Coupons

Impact Elections

Grow Patriot

Organization

PRECINCT ORGANIZING OPPORTUNITIES Targeted - Door-to-Door Canvassing

Targeted - Volunteer Phone Banks

Targeted - Meetings / Socials

Targeted - Get-Out-The-Vote

VOTERRECORDS

WINNING ELECTIONS AT PRECINCT LEVEL Most effective methods based on

statistical analysis

All the lobbying and candidate money can’t buy this capability!

Will have enduring effect - 33% will continue to vote in subsequent elections

NON-PARTISAN Strength – broadest appeal & sustainable

Weakness – relies on voters to chose candidates

Opportunity – mobilize 70-80% voters w/o PAC

Threat – existing political parties dominate

THOMAS JEFFERSON - JANUARY 8, 1789

'It is to me a new and consolatory proof that wherever the people are well-informed they can

be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to

set them to rights."

VOTER EDUCATION ON CANDIDATES

Patriot Organization

Precinct Organizing

2010 Election

2012 Election

CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS

VOTER GUIDES

CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES

“Tea Party” Republicans Especially with “Precinct Executive”

Strategy

Independents Defecting Republicans GOOOH

PROVEN PROCESS USED BY POLITICAL PARTIES

Source: Williamson County, TX - Grassroots Action Democrats (GRAD) School Training

VOTER “CONTACTS PER VOTE” RATIO

Canvass Mail Phone0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

1

28

33

Source: Composite values across multiple randomized control studies including Gerber & Green & Yale University. www.democracyforamerica.com

WHY MOVED AWAY FROM BLOCKWALKING? Money & Volunteer Access

Campaign consultants can’t make as much money Nor do they have ready access to trustworthy

volunteers

Campaign Consultants are Intermediaries for: Mass Advertising Centralized Phone Banks Centralized Mail Campaigns

Prefer Centralized Message

Net, ADVANTAGE FOR US!

FAITHFUL ACTION Strength – large, established communities

Weakness – not engaged in “public square”

Opportunity – join patriots to defend freedoms

Threat – omnipotent government replaces church

DOOR TO DOOR

CONVASSING

PRECINCT ORGANIZING

One-On-One Voter Engagement

VOTERRECORDS

Impact Elections

Grow Patriot

Organization

VOTER RECORD

Note: Data has been scrambled and altered to protect voter’s privacy.

VOTER ENGAGEMENT Engage

I am a concerned citizen Are you concerned about career politicians

bankrupting our country & indebting our children Educate

Importance & relevance of Constitutional principles Limited government, free markets, individual freedoms

Request Contact information – e-mail, cell phone, etc. Join patriot organization Volunteer with patriot organization

GET-OUT-THE-VOTE ENGAGEMENT Provide

Patriot Organization Flyer Candidate Nights Voter Guide

Assist Voter Registration Early Voting Mail-in / Absentee voting Transportation

Mobilize

PRECINCT ORGANIZING

One-On-One Voter Engagement

VOTERRECORDS

Impact Elections

Grow Patriot

Organization

PRECINCT ACTION TIMELINE2010 CANVASS PERSUASIO

NGet Out The

Vote“SOCIALS”

January •Get more volunteers

•Call to alert & recruit

•Block walk to inform, educate, & recruit.

•Get contact information

•Register voters

•Alert to absentee voting

•Meeting s of targeted voters

•Location - church, fire houses, libraries, municipal buildings

•Recruit volunteers

•Could be fund raiser

•Use for training

•Inform, educate, and recruit

•Do in collaboration with other precincts

•For staging events such as blockwalking

•Celebration & Thanks

FebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugust

September •Block walk to inform, educate, & recruit

• Alert to absentee voting & early voting

October •Block walk with Voter Guides, e-mail, phone, offer rides

•Alert to absentee voting and early voting

•Election Day – GOTV!

November

ELECTION LEVERAGE

PRECINCT VOTING PERSPECTIVE 1000 Eligible Voters

80% Register

60% Vote in Mid-Term & General Elections

30% Vote in Primaries & Off-Year Elections

Need Majority to Win

FOCUSED VOTER ENGAGEMENT

Party Affiliation

Vote

r Tu

rnou

t

Always Vote Democratic

Swing Voters

Always Vote Republican

Always Vote

Sometimes Vote

Never Vote


Party Affiliation

Vote

r Tu

rnou

t


Swing Voters


Always Vote

Sometimes Vote

Never Vote

Don’t waste time with Democratic voters who always vote Party Line.


Party Affiliation

Vote

r Tu

rnou

t


Swing Voters


Always Vote

Sometimes Vote

Never Vote

Don’t waste resources on people who always vote Republican


Party Affiliation

Vote

r Tu

rnou

t


Swing Voters


Always Vote

Sometimes Vote

Never Vote

Don’t waste your resources on people who never vote.


Party Affiliation

Vote

r Tu

rnou

t


Swing Voters


Always Vote

Sometimes Vote

Never Vote

Do engage Swing voters who always vote - Persuasion


Party Affiliation

Vote

r Tu

rnou

t


Swing Voters


Always Vote

Sometimes Vote

Never Vote

Do engage Republicans who only sometimes vote - for GOTV


Party Affiliation

Vote

r Tu

rnou

t


Swing Voters


Always Vote

Sometimes Vote

Never Vote

Do engage Swing voters who only sometimes vote – Persuasion & GOTV

VOTER ELECTION STRATEGY

Need 324 votes to win Assume 226 Republicans & Need 98/287 Independents Focus on convincing 98 Independents Can also focus on some of the 137 unregistered voters

VOTER PRIMARY STRATEGY

Need 57 votes to win Republican Primary Need 35 votes to win Democratic Primary

PRECINCT STRATEGIC FOCUS

Conservative / Liberal # of Times to Work

Communication Methods

Top Third of precinctsskewed Conservative

3x Phones, door-to-door, mail

Mid Third evenly split between Conservatives and Liberals


Lowest Third of precinctsSkewed Liberal


• ~650 Precincts per Congressional District• Focus greatest effort on precincts with greatest concentration of likely voters• Especially true during Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) phase leading up to the election

PRECINCT CONSERVATIVE / LIBERAL RATIO

Use Election Results, available from Secretary of State web site, to determine precinct voting patterns.

SUMMARY- PRIORITIZED VOTER ENGAGEMENT

Precinct Priority Order

~650 Precincts per Congressional District

1) Most Conservative 30%

2) Split Mid 30%

3) Most Liberal 30%

Registered VoterPriority Order

~800 - 1000 Registered Voters per Precincts

1) Independent Voters & Always Vote

2) Republican Voters & Sometimes Vote

3) Independent Voters & Sometimes Vote

ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA

Source: Building the National Democratic Party: the State Partnership Project

GET STARTED

PLAN OF ACTION Regional Organizations Must Collaborate

District Strategy ( Federal & State )

Precinct Voter Strategy ( Federal & State )

Identify Precinct Coordinators Recruit others to help Aim for 10-20 volunteers/ precinct

Use TheVoicesOfAmerica.org website as best practices resource

START WITH REGIONAL MEETINGOF LIKE-MINDED ORGANIZATIONS

Announce via each organization’s newsletters

Meet at: schools, churches, fire houses, libraries, municipal buildings

Identify Precinct Coordinators & Volunteers Beforehand on web, when sign up During meeting by looking at county precinct map and using

stickies

Request attendees bring others to next meeting +20% weekly in Knox County, Ohio

PRECINCT ORGANIZING ROADMAP

Precinct Core Team

PrecinctMeeting Or Social

Grow Volunteer

Base

Identify Family

& Friends

Political Impact& GOTV

VOLUNTEER PHONE BANK Second most effective “Precinct Organizing”

methodology

Convey an authentic sense of enthusiasm and commitment.

Use a brief opening script and then evolve into a relaxed conversation Pause for questions Invite respondents to obtain more information by

visiting the organization’s website.

PHONE BANK SCRIPTHello, is this _______________?

My name is _____________.

I am a neighbor of yours on ____________ street and I am a leader / member of the Tea Party / Patriot group called __________. Have you hear of Tea Parties / Our Group?

I am a conservative concerned for our country and I got involved because I had to do

something to try and stop the destruction of our way of life by career politicians. They are bankrupting our country, taking over private sector businesses, and increasing the government’s control over every aspect of our lives! Like many of us, I am worried for my children and grandchildren.

We meet every other __(Day of week)____ at _____(Location)____ starting at _____(Time)___

p.m. Our objective is to get citizens, like you, to join us and educate them on what they can do.

I want to invite you, your spouse, neighbors, relatives, and friends to come and hear what we

are doing locally next __(Day and Date)___ . It is very satisfying to be united with other patriots and share in this movement to take back our country. Can I count on you to come to this meeting?

If you would be so kind to give me your e-mail address, I’ll put you on our list to keep you

informed. Thank you and have a good day/ evening / weekend.

PHONE BANK – SUCCESS EXAMPLE On a Sunday afternoon called registered Republicans within his

precinct. Used Voter Records to focus calls to assure they would be most

productive.

Made thirty-six calls (4.4 minutes average per call), Was able to connect with fifteen voters (42% completion rate), Of these fifteen, eleven (73% success rate) were interested in

joining his organization. Many indicated that they would bring others to the meeting.

Once through script, ended up in a productive conversation.

Most were aware of the Tea Party movement, but had not taken the initiative to get involved.

Ralph Kraus, leader of the Patriot Unite organization in northwest Ohio

START WITH ROBO-CALL RECRUITMENT Call all targeted voters in precinct

Easy and fast method to reach many voters Able to update voter records by finding numbers that are no longer in service Leave call back messages

Messages can be used for: Assuring people "they are not alone“ Invite them to join your organization Alerting people of important meetings Get-Out-The-Vote on election day

Preferred supplier provides capability to us at 4 cents per 60 second call. Calling 1,100 people in a precinct costs only $44. Tom Zawistowski at 1-800-846-4630 Ext 104 or e-mail him at

[email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

Website:

TheVoicesOfAmerica.org

Download or Print Presentation from Website

NEW – Join the Discussion

TESTIMONIALS “Thanks you so much for sending along your PowerPoint of your Precinct Organizing Best

Practices slide show. It was fantastic! Our event was very successful. We had about 150 people who attended. Everyone loved the PowerPoint.” – Jonathan, California

“First let me thank you for your tireless efforts in gathering this information, your power point, and the website. I listened on CSPAN to your presentation given at the Nat'l Tea Party Convention and have replayed the archived video at CSPAN a couple of times. I was most impressed. I have also been researching this precinct strategy since last May (2009). I now see, with your help, that I can actually take this to our various groups in Iowa and set the plan in motion. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” – Marcia, Iowa

“I am a program manager for a voter registration program for the … County Republican Party. I enjoy the site a lot and wanted to know if it would be okay to print out your The Voices of America.org logo on some signs to be used at our headquarters in training staff?” – Steve, California

“I heard about your site from my sister-in-law … in Utah. She said that they have gained many members from the robo-calling. … I have read through your site and want to thank you for sharing your information and experience freely given online. There are many of us that are so new to political activity and appreciate such guidance. … I like that it is nonpartisan because many people who love our country do not like like party politics, but still want to help change the direction that our country is heading. “ – Heather, Oregon

CANDIDATE NIGHTS

VOTER EDUCATION ON CANDIDATES


Precinct Organizing

2010 Election

2012 Election

CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS

VOTER GUIDES

CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS Candidate Townhalls should occur before voters

receive their mail-in / absentee ballots

Ideally, they occur sufficiently prior to elections To allow Voter Guides to be created and disseminated

to voters, Based on candidate statements made during these

townhalls.

In Ohio, May 4th Primary mail-in / absentee ballots are sent out as early as March 30, 2010.

CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS Audience members ask questions of the candidate in a real time

fashion. When audience members enter the townhall event, ask if would like to

ask a question. Give them a card to fill out with their name.

In order to maintain objectivity ask a member of the audience to select cards at random The person selected from the card will be allowed to direct questions to

the participants. Each candidate will then have 3 minutes to answer the question. The person asking the question will have an opportunity to ask one

follow up question, if desired. That person may ask a different candidate the same question or a follow

up with the original candidate

CANDIDATE TOWNHALLS Before getting started each candidate will have 5 minutes to

voice his/her reasons for running

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

his/her position.

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

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

Questions?

PRECINCT TEAM

Precinct Coordinat

or

Blockwalk

Blockwalk

Blockwalk

Mailing TeamPhone Committee

Social Event Planner

Database & e-Mail

HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATION

The best time to start is NOW

Create a knowledgeable, cohesive team that is already engaged in the political process by the next election

You’ll have established leaders who are prepared to incorporate late-arriving volunteers and put them immediately to work doing meaningful and productive tasks


1. Host an introductory event Entertaining and interesting events to discuss relevant Constitutional

principles Potluck dinner Coffees, BBQ’s, Chili Suppers House Party affiliated with a like-minded community organization DVD Night Political Statement Costume Party

2. Reach out to personal social networks Invite people you know who share your political and social values Ask them to invite their friends and acquaintances who also share

these principles and values Network with acquaintances from: Church, work, children’s school and

sports


3. Gather contact information as people arrive via a sign-in sheet

4. Get to know each other Go around and have people introduce themselves Talk about direction of country and if they have ever

volunteered for anything You may want to take notes about personal details like the

issues that concern them as well as the likelihood your guest might be interested in volunteering.

If you have a large amount of people, you may want to designate several facilitators and break your party into manageable groups of 10 to 15.


4. Follow-up Within a few days after the event, call or email everyone

who attended and thank them. Ask if they would like to participate in similar regularly-

scheduled events. At this phase, target prospects — not recruit volunteers. Just ask them to commit to attending interesting events

where they can participate in lively conversations. Ask what their preferences are from the list in Step #6. Target for 10 - 20 participants. With absenteeism and

attrition you will still have a lively group.

5. Build an Excel database of prospects


5. Schedule monthly or bi-weekly events The events should be slightly structured. Announce the subject before the get-together and

encourage attendees to become knowledgeable in order to participate in the discussion.

This will create community involvement, personal connections and help people become better informed.

Event ideas: A Constitutional based Book Club, Issue Forums, Movie Nights, Study Groups, Coffee House Gatherings, Meet at bars (“Drinking Conservatively” or “Drink ‘til You’re Red”), Wine or Beer Tastings, Constitutional Play Dates, Afternoon Teas, Regular Potlucks, Constitutional Trivia Competitions


6. Identify Precinct Leadership Volunteers The best candidates for precinct leadership positions will become

apparent. Approach them and ask them to be part of your precinct organization

leadership. Assign volunteers to precinct leadership positions based on their location in the

precinct or based on skills and/or availability.

7. Keep the momentum growing Many of your friends and neighbors may feel equally upset about the

direction of our country, but because of family, job, and other obligations may not know about your organization or of other like-minded neighbors.

They would be eager to connect with like-minded organizations such as yours. They’re just waiting for someone to ask.

With a targeted “friend-to-friend” approach, a few volunteers can reach a vast number of like-minded individuals who are interested in working together in taking back our country from out-of-touch, corrupt politicians.

HOW TO CREATE A PRECINCT ORGANIZATION8. Start a friend-to-friend campaign

Ask new participants to reach out to their social networks Have volunteers select 15 to 20 people they might know (even slightly)

from the County’s Voter Record list, who might be interested in connecting with a Constitutional principle based community.

Have these volunteers use the Blockwalking or Robo-call script as a guide to engage and invite their selected acquaintances to participate in regularly scheduled events.

Because the volunteers already know the person, they don’t have to make the much feared cold calls

Maintain a database of who was called and the results of the call

9. Keep all prospective volunteers informed Through a Yahoo or Google email Group Via a phone network/tree for people without email access Distributing a Newsletter Newspaper announcements Bulletin board notices

PRECINCT TEAM

Precinct Coordinat

or

Blockwalk

Blockwalk

Blockwalk

Mailing TeamPhone Committee

Social Event Planner

e-Mail

PRECINCT COORDINATOR ROLE Recruit and train volunteers Organize precinct by blocks or zones Identify targeted voters within precinct Set attainable goals, plan, assure “movement”with

metrics, and motivate volunteers. Inform, educate, register, and recruit targeted voters Assure targeted voters know how to get absentee

ballots and that they submit them. Distribute flyers, voter guides, etc. Get voters to polls Conduct meetings /socials Be year-round liaison

PARTITION YOUR PRECINCT

PRECINCT TEAM – SUPPORT ROLES

Precinct Coordinat

orVoter

Registration / Compliance

ExpertTraining

Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Excel Database Manager

PRECINCT TEAM – SUPPORT ROLES Excel Database Manager

Assure Voter Records are up to date and all new contact information is captured Provide volunteers with blockwalk list of targeted voters and collect new information Assure backups exist and only leaders have access to the database

Resource Coordinator Make sure voter registration forms are available. Assures food, water, etc. are available for events.

Voter Registration / Compliance Expert Responsible for knowing State’s voter registration laws Assures that volunteer canvassers comply with laws

Training Coordinator Coordinates the program and training portion of events. Works with surrogate speakers and finds voter registration trainer.

Volunteer Recruiter Assures overall precinct volunteer needs are met. Helps coordinate volunteers in support of precinct tasks and events.

Precinct Coordinato

rVoter

Registration / Compliance

ExpertTraining

Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Excel Database Manager

PRECINCT CORE TEAM MEETING Identify who will lead each of the Precinct Team areas of

responsibilities Agree on what tasks each area entails Identify volunteer support needs for each area

Identify targeted voters for canvassing in precinct using Voter Records and Precinct Map Break precinct into sections for Blockwalking

Develop Precinct Action Plan Voter canvassing dates & training - 1st and 2rd round timing Data Entry Team meeting, schedule, strategy Voter persuasion, registration, and Mail-in-voter plans with flyers - 1st

and 2rd round timing Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Plan with Voter Guides – early voting, Mail-in

voting, and election day 72 hour plan Supportive actions such as socials, precinct wide meetings, etc.

Plan Precinct “Social” Meetings to inform, educate, and recruit

PRECINCT VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT Easier to recruit and excite with non-partisan

message and specific tasks From like-minded organizations Call/ e-mail personal contacts Existing, like-minded community leaders Robo-call likely voters from Voter Records Post a flyer at your church, community

center, library, school, meetings of other organizations.

From block walk of precinct Reach out to local schools

VOLUNTEER LOGISTIC CONSIDERATIONS Need 10-20 volunteers per precinct

Volunteers can accomplish 20 door knocks per hour in 2-3 hour shifts 35 - 50 calls per hour in 2-3 hour shifts depending on script

length

Aim for 3-4 contacts of targeted voters prior to election day Minimum 1-2 door-to-door contacts with door hangers & flyers In “opposition” territory rely more on “stealth” campaign with

more dependence on phone, e-mail, and meeting communications.

VOTER RECORD

Note: Data has been scrambled and altered to protect voter’s privacy.

BASIC VOTER FILE DATA Name Voting Address Mailing Address Phone Number Date of Birth Gender Date of Registration

Party Affiliation (varies by state) Race / Ethnicity (varies by state) Political Geography Vote History

TRAINING AGENDA Goal

Grow organization and political impact Impact 2010 Elections

Voter Contact Importance of non-partisan engagement Setting vote goals, strategy, and targeting Voter contact tactics and timelines Using Voter Records Blockwalking, Phone banking, and Robo-calls Voter registration Absentee & vote by mail Early voting GOTV ( Get Out The Vote )

Candidate Engagement Townhalls Voter Guides

Precinct Organizing How to get started Team roles and responsibilities Recruiting volunteers and identifying leaders How to conduct effective precinct meetings and “socials” Fundraising Training

New Media Leverage Overall strategy Utilizing e-mail and websites to keep precincts informed and to recruit volunteers Blog & Twitter outreach Using Facebook, Myspace, and other social networks

PRECINCT FUNDRAISING Ideas

Garage sale, bake sale, ice cream social, car wash, dog wash, silent auction, pot luck, Ask for contributions at meetings and social events Require modest membership dues for precinct “club” Sell T-shirts and buttons at a small profit An annual event that could become a precinct tradition Brainstorm for ideas at precinct meetings

Avoid Party affiliations, since will be subject to state fundraising and ethics laws pertaining to Parties. For example, in Texas:

Any club or organization associated with a Party can raise or spend $500 before it has to appoint a campaign treasurer and start filing reports.

If a club exceeds this $500 threshold in the middle of a campaign, it will be “frozen” from doing any further activity for a 60 day period.

If you exceed the $500, the club or organization has to register as a General Purpose Committee with the Texas Ethics Commission.

If you plan to do any activity to support or oppose a candidate for statewide office, state legislator, state Board of Education, or any multi-county district office, the club or organization has to register 30 days before the election.

This $500 threshold is a one-time, cumulative threshold on a per election, per candidate, or per year basis.

PRECINCT MEETING

LOGISTICS - PRECINCT “SOCIAL” GATHERING

Location - church, schools, fire houses, libraries, municipal buildings, apartment or condo club house

Have people bring a snack or dessert to share. Food is always a good ice breaker.

Use name tags with addresses and have people sign in

Provide handouts Allow time for socializing.

AGENDA - PRECINCT “SOCIAL” GATHERING Facilitate a sense of common goals /community and motivate.

Provide an overview Precinct organizing process Precinct organizing action timeline and key election related dates Explain where people fit into the process How training and materials will be provided

Describe each precinct team task & ask for volunteers Voter canvassing to identify likely voters and gather contact information Door-to-door persuasion to inform, educate, and recruit voters using flyers Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Team – importance of last 72 hours prior to the election

Early Voting and Mail-In-Ballots Election Day callers, drivers, poll checkers, and baby sitters Blockwalkers with Voter Guides

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

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

TIPS - PRECINCT “SOCIAL” GATHERING Stay on agenda

Designate a time keeper If an unexpected popular issue is raised, take a vote to determine if want to take 5-10

minutes to discuss issue immediately or later. Could also opt to assign volunteers or a committee.

Overcome anxiety and/or burnout Indicate that taking action with like-minded neighbors is an antidote Share local, state-wide, or national successes Elections are often won or lost by small margins, each vote is important

Provide periodic precinct updates. May even start a precinct web site. Assure that on follow-up e-mails will use blind-copy (bcc) feature to hide e-mail addresses

Assure that obtain suggestions, feedback, and critiques from volunteers What was done well What could be improved

“PRIME THE PUMP” Organization Leaders

Go door-to-door Train others Etc.

Recruit Few Volunteers before Meeting Old sales approach Recruited volunteers will cause others to

step-up

LEVERAGE ALL TOUCHPOINTS Call Stop by house Send a note e-mail blasts Create a web site for precinct Create a Yahoo or Google discussion list or “blog” to

move communications throughout your Precinct. Candidate Forums Neighborhood Association Meetings Churches

DOOR TO DOOR

CONVASSING

Source: Building the National Democratic Party: The State Partnership Project

PREPARING FOR A BLOCKWALK - 1 Plan at least forty-five days ahead Team up with ethnic or religious groups that maintain mailing lists of individuals who might serve as targets

for campaign Aim for about 3-4 contacts of targeted voters prior to Election Day. Of these, a minimum of 1-2 contacts

should be door-to-door contacts with door hangers. Other contacts can be via phone. Define expectations for the number of houses to visit and recruit volunteers, along with back up volunteers.

Volunteers can knock on 20 doors per hour. With an expected 50% contact rate per pass, canvassers will end up talking with about 8-10 households

per hour. Older voters will be more likely to be home than young voters.

Provide a brief training session for volunteers. Training does not need to be extensive – about half hour is sufficient. Informal communication style works best. Canvassers should use own speaking style Experienced canvassers are only slightly more effective than newcomers.

Mobilize voters by making them feel wanted at the polls. Personal invitations convey the most warmth and work best. Phone calls in which the caller converses with the respondent is second best.

Building on voter’s preexisting level of motivation to vote is also important. Calling back a voter who indicated a previous interest to vote is a powerful mobilizing tactic.

Many nonvoters will vote if they think that others are watching. Remind that voting is a matter of public record, but do so carefully.

PREPARING FOR A BLOCKWALK - 2 Other face-to-face opportunities which may also generate votes are: retirement homes, shopping centers, night

schools, house parties, and religious centers In “opposition” territory rely more on “stealth” campaign with more dependence on phone, e-mail, and meeting

communications. Other than getting out votes, canvassing can provide other “benefits”, such as:

Persuading voters to vote in a certain way Canvassers receive useful feedback which can be leveraged Campaign material handed out will publicize the campaign and communicate its message Clean up the out-dated voter lists Register new voters Create database and flag voters for GOTV special attention

Prepare maps and street walk sheets prior to blockwalking dates Plan to have coffee, pastry, and bottled water for volunteers on day of blockwalk Blockwalk in pairs – one speaker and one data taker/navigator or split up sides of street May need residents to Blockwalk within gated communities and apartments Plan a time and place to meet after the blockwalk to collect updated voter records and to debrief Provide blockwalk volunteers with precinct core team cell phone numbers, so can call if have questions and /or

issues Prepare door hangers, flyers, or sticky notes one week in advance Record updated Voter Contact information as soon as possible Send a thank-you note to your blockwalk volunteers

BLOCKWALK - MATERIALS NEEDED Volunteer name badge Street walking lists with identified, targeted voters from Voter

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

Precinct map Clipboard, pen, and pencils Voter feedback list to capture comments Door hangers or flyers to inform/educate, provide your contact

information, and inform of precinct meeting /“social” events 2010 Election important dates & location of polling location Voter Registration Forms Mail-in/ Absentee Ballot Applications Pre-addressed, stamped envelopes with County Clerk’s address Voter Guides when closer to election

OPTIMIUM BLOCKWALKING TIMES Weekdays 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

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

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

NON-PARTISAN FOCUS Need to grow “Tea party” movement

24% of voters part-of “Tea Party” (Was 16% a month ago.)* Build on existing political diversity – 28% I /13% D

Use message Which unites, instead of divides Taps into current strongly held beliefs by the majority of the population. With sustainable relevance, vs. candidates & issues

Trust informed and engaged voters to decide on candidates Use Candidate Nights and Voter Guides

Avoid need for Political Action Committee (PAC)

* Rasmussen National Survey, April 13, 2010. USA Today/ Gallup Poll indicated 28% support in Mach 26-28 survey.

BLOCKWALKING SCRIPTHello: My name is _______. I am a concerned citizen from your neighborhood who is troubled by how politicians

of both parties are bankrupting our country and are jeopardizing our children’s and grandchildren’s future.

Are you concerned about what is going on in Washington?

NO – What political party do you belong to? Do you plan to vote in November’s election? Thank you for your time. Good-bye.

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

Might you, or anyone living in this household, be interested in volunteering to help us with this initiative. --- YES --- Indicate on Voter Record list a 1-5 support score.

Is your phone number still __________________? --- Fix or get # and record. Do you have a cell phone? E-mail? It would make it easier for us to communicate with you and send you

information regarding educational events or information about the upcoming election. -- - Add cell phone and e-mail information to Voter Record.

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

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

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

Listed Voter No Longer Lives at AddressAdd new resident to the Voter Record. Find out if the current resident is a Democrat, Independent or

Republican and mark appropriate column. If either Independent or Republican have them fill out the voter registration form. Offer to mail the VR form for them. They will receive a new voter certificate in about 30 days.

VOTER DISCUSSION TIPS Make a personal connection

Look for common concerns Use information from the Voter Record and observations as you approach the door ( political

signs, children’s toys, etc.) as aids to focus your message Use your own personal story of why you chose to get involved

Listen to voter’s concerns Good communication requires being a good listener

Reassure them that you are a neighbor and a volunteer Volunteers and neighbors are most effective in engaging likely voters

Validate their opinion It’s a two-way communication at the door, not a “sell” If you argue and indicate that they are wrong, you’ve lost

Explain how Constitutional principles are relevant and important in regard to today’s issues

Use simple language Be sincere, truthful, and genuine Draw favorable distinctions between your position and the opposition to Constitutional

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

SAMPLE RESPONSES “I am not aware of any issues and don’t really care much about the political process”

You may not be aware of the issues and their significance, because the mainstream media does not properly report the issues.

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

“I always vote the Party line” I am sure they’ve appreciated your loyalty, but even within the existing Parties there is now

dissention based on where the Parties have taken this country. In fact, many Party loyalists are leaving the Parties. In recent polling “Tea Party” candidates are

now preferred over either Party. “They are all corrupt”

Certainly one may get that impression because the media focuses on corrupt politicians and of course power does tend to corrupt.

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

“My vote doesn’t matter anyway” Democrats in 2008 won key states by gaining only 10 more Democratic votes in each precinct. It is this realization, that a few votes can make an important difference, of why have gotten

involved and volunteered to go door-to-door.

BLOCKWALKING – NO ONE HOME Prepare post-its to leave behind with “Sorry I Missed

You” message and your contact information. Indicate that you are a concerned citizen from the

neighborhood who is troubled by how politicians of both parties are bankrupting our country and are jeopardizing our children’s and grandchildren’s future.

Request that if they share your concern that they contact you by phone.

When they call back, use the original script over phone.

If they don’t call back, re-visit the home.

RURAL “BLOCKWALKING” Blockwalk the high density areas Robo-call the low density ranches and farms Post flyers and information at feed stores, Co-

ops, grocery stores, and restaurants. Conduct meetings / “socials” with speakers Offer free documentaries relating to

Constitutional Principles at local theaters Get permission to use silos or barn sides for

Constitutional Principle based messages with contact information

COLLEGE “BLOCKWALKING” Pursue “First Impression” opportunities

Move-in day Student organization fairs Classroom “storms”

Leverage campus organizations and leaders Student clubs Greek outreach

Utilize student’s internet based social networks

DO’S OF A PRECINCT BLOCKWALK Use identifying name tags, buttons, or t-shirts. Should be provided by organization. Bring

umbrellas or plastic covers, in case needed due to rain. Take off sunglasses before speaking to anyone. Step back from door after ringing bell so less threatening to apprehensive homeowner Work off script and listen. Informal communication style works best. Canvassers should use

own speaking style Canvassers should only answer questions which focus on why canvasser personally supports

the campaign, unless canvasser is quite knowledgeable. Otherwise have voter call “headquarters”. Confine conversation to Constitutional Principles of limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms.

Focus on the future. Discuss where we are versus where we would like to be. Be succinct and a good listener. Be pleasant and friendly Get the voter’s contact information – phone numbers & e-mail. Admit if you don’t have an answer to a question and promise to get the information and call

again. Paves the way for a second call. Leave information flyer and contact information for precinct leaders Refer any media/ press inquiries to the Precinct Coordinator Give updated Voter Records back to the Precinct Database Manager

DON’TS OF A PRECINCT BLOCKWALK Blockwalk alone Go into homes or apartments, even if invited Go into fenced and gated yards Walk across people’s yards Wear offensive clothing Hard sell or argue Antagonize Raise controversial issues Make derogatory remarks about specific political

organizations, candidates, or officeholders Make statements about candidates which cannot be proven Place anything in a mailbox – It is AGAINST the LAW

REGISTERING NEW VOTERS Make sure all volunteers who register new voters become “Certified

Deputy Registrars” – must be non-partisan! Have the County Clerk’s office schedule a thirty minute training and

certification session The County Clerk’s office will provide voter registration forms and a “Deputy

Voter Registrar” number.

Target like-minded, Constitutional principled citizens for registration Determine disposition during Blockwalking Identify candidates at events – PTO meetings, sports events, colleges, high

schools, naturalization ceremonies, stores Identify “New Movers” into your neighborhood

Voter registration applications must be received by the county voter registrar thirty days before an election in order to vote in that election

KEY VOTER DATA Assure Voter Records Correct (From Board of Election)

Name and address Party affiliation – Dem., Rep., or Independent Voting intent – always, sometime, and never

Added Information from Blockwalking Not home – left contact information & follow-up tracking Phone numbers – home & cell e-Mail Support intensity on 5-1 scale, e.g. volunteer, join, or just interested Voter Registration & tracking

Given application Sent in application Confirmed by Board of Election

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

GOTV Tracking Records, starting with Blockwalk contact Mail-In Ballot contact & tracking

Given application Sent in application Received Ballot Sent in ballot

Early Voting contacts Election Day contacts

PHONE BANKS

VOLUNTEER PHONE BANK Personal calls made by volunteers, who believe in the

cause, are the second most effective “Precinct Organizing” methodology behind door-to-door canvassing.

Nothing beats face-to-face discussions and relationship building!

Volunteers are effective because they can convey an authentic sense of enthusiasm and commitment.

It’s best for these volunteers to use a brief opening script and then evolve into a relaxed conversation, pausing for questions and inviting respondents to obtain more information by visiting the organization’s website.

VOLUNTEER PHONE BANK – KEY FINDINGS Competent callers can complete 16 calls/ hour with an up-to-date call list and chatty script Make calls on weekday evenings from 5-9 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hand-dialed phone banks have completion rates of 50%, in contrast to automated dialers with completion rates as

low as 15% or less. Anecdotal evidence suggests a very high success rate when using Voter Records to focus who is called and inviting

voters to join your patriot organization. See success example on right. Statistical analyses show that 1 vote per 38 contacts is obtained when calling to Get-Out-The-Vote. Talented volunteers or calls within last week prior to elections can increase success rate to 1 vote per 20 completed calls.

When calling out of state, avoid calling charges by using cell phone minutes. MoveOn.org did this extensively in 2004 and 2006 campaigns. Sometimes a large supportive business will permit volunteers to make calls from its offices after hours.

Provide printed instructions and a copy of the script (make conversational) for volunteers and alert them to how they should deal with contingencies.

Leave message on messaging machine? How deal with hostile caller Speak only with the called person? How important to stay on script? How respond to requests for more information What do if requested to call back at another time? What information to record on calling sheet, such as invalid telephone calls?

Re-contacting people who earlier expressed an intention to vote boosts the effectiveness of a calling campaign Calls are most effective during last week prior to election (Although can use volunteer calls anytime to grow your

organization.) DO-not call lists do not apply to live political campaigns. Some states restrict robo-calls even for political campaigns.

PHONE BANK – SUCCESS EXAMPLE On a Sunday afternoon called registered Republicans within his

precinct. Used Voter Records to focus calls to assure they would be most productive.

Made thirty-six calls (4.4 minutes average per call), Was able to connect with fifteen voters (42% completion rate), Of these fifteen, eleven (73% success rate) were interested in joining his

organization. Many indicated that they would bring others to the meeting.

Once through script, ended up in a productive conversation.

Most were aware of the Tea Party movement, but had not taken the initiative to get involved.

Ralph Kraus, leader of the Patriot Unite organization in northwest Ohio

PHONE BANK SCRIPTHello, is this _______________?

My name is _____________.

I am a neighbor of yours on ____________ street and I am a leader / member of the Tea Party / Patriot group called __________. Have you hear of Tea Parties / Our Group?

I am a conservative concerned for our country and I got involved because I had to do

something to try and stop the destruction of our way of life by career politicians. They are bankrupting our country, taking over private sector businesses, and increasing the government’s control over every aspect of our lives! Like many of us, I am worried for my children and grandchildren.

We meet every other __(Day of week)____ at _____(Location)____ starting at _____(Time)___

p.m. Our objective is to get citizens, like you, to join us and educate them on what they can do.

I want to invite you, your spouse, neighbors, relatives, and friends to come and hear what we

are doing locally next __(Day and Date)___ . It is very satisfying to be united with other patriots and share in this movement to take back our country. Can I count on you to come to this meeting?

If you would be so kind to give me your e-mail address, I’ll put you on our list to keep you

informed. Thank you and have a good day/ evening / weekend.

PROFESSIONAL PHONE BANK In contrast to volunteers calling, professional phone

bank live calls produce weak effects.

Some findings are as follows: 1 vote per 180 calls $90 per additional vote, based on $0.50/completed call

( Top of line phone bank may cost $1.50/ completed call) For professional phone banks, effectiveness has little to

do with the specific reasons for voting stressed in scripts Only 5% calls are blocked, despite caller IDs. 90% of

registered voters still have land lines.

GOTV PHONE BANKING Have a phone team make calls or Robo-call during the 3rd week of

October to: Targeted voters who were not contacted by door-to-door canvassers ( Use

Blockwalker’s script ) Voters leaning toward voting on principles or Undecided voters and who did

not receive a follow-up contact by a door-to-door canvasser

On Election Day Contact every targeted voter who has not voted yet By phone at least twice until they have voted. The last call should be after 4:30 p.m.

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

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

GOTV STRATEGY Allocating resources, time, and volunteers wisely is the key to carrying out a successful GOTV campaign

operation Late September – hold a GOTV planning session with the Precinct Core Team and volunteers Early October – check with each volunteer who signed up to help with GOTV Strategy At least 10 days before Election Day, review GOTV plan and assure each team member is clear about

their role and time commitment. Review targeted Voter Record and assure that it is up to date with contact information and have GOTV entry columns.

Call voters who received Mail-in Ballots to assure that they are returned or to influence their vote based on principles.

Obtain list for these voters, who requested Mail-in Ballots, from the Board of Elections In some States, can request daily e-mail lists from Board of Elections of voters requesting Mail-in

ballots Depending on State, Mail-in ballots are sent out 45 days ahead of Election for Military and 20 days

ahead for all others May need to be affiliated with party or be a candidate to obtain Do not contact these voters again via methods listed below

Before the start of the Early Voting period Robo-call or phone-bank call 100% of targeted voters Go door-to-door reaching roughly 75% of targeted voters

Within the last 72 hours prior to Election Day Robo-call or phone-bank call 100% of targeted voters Go door-to-door reaching roughly 75% of targeted voters Be sure to focus on targeted voters who don’t always vote (“lazy” voters)

On Election Day 50% of targeted voters should receive calls 25% of targeted voters should receive door knocks Be sure to focus on targeted voters who don’t always vote (“lazy” voters)

GOTV PREPARATION Get voters to Vote Early. This allows you to use your resources more

effectively. Finalize the final list of targeted voters at least 10 days before Election

Day. Assure all contact information has been entered. Assure that GOTV tracking columns exist to manage contacts

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

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

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

Inform voters of election day and early voting schedule, including polling locations Send postcards , Robo-call, phone-bank call, or e-mails Blockwalk with handouts of this information

Find ride services to get voters to the polls.

GOTV BLOCKWALKING Best Times for Early Voting Period

Contact every targeted voter who has not yet voted via Mail-in ballot Weekdays

Target 65+ year olds for Mail-in ballots and rides to poll – have system in place to immediately provide transportation Otherwise, target all other voters from 5 p.m. until dark

Weekends Saturdays – 10 a.m. until polls close Sunday – 1 p.m. until polls close

On Election Day Contact every targeted voter who has not voted yet Walk all day If phoning does not get results, contact voters at their door between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Election Day Discussion Script: “Hi, I’m ______ (your name) working to make sure all supporters who believe in limited government, free

markets, and individual freedoms vote in today’s Election. Have you voted yet?” If YES – “Thanks!” If NO – “Will you be able to get to the polling place at _____ by ____ p.m.?”

If YES – “That’s great. Every vote is extremely important!” (Remind the voter of the IDs that will be acceptable.) If NO – “Every vote is extremely important – many elections are won or lost by a small margin of votes. Is there something

I can do to help you get to the polls like transportation or baby sitting?” (Continue the discussion based on the reason the voter says they cannot vote.)

MAIL-IN BALLOT GOTV PLAN Offer Mail-in Ballot Applications with stamped envelopes, addressed to the County Clerk, to all

targeted voters in the precinct – explain the convenience of voting from home. Within one week, follow-up with each voter who took an application to make sure it is filled out

completely and mailed in time. “Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m a neighborhood precinct volunteer and am just

checking to see if you had a chance to get your application for a Mail-in Ballot to the County Clerk.”

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

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

Follow-up with voters to make sure they receive their ballots and that they mailed them back to the Clerk on time.

“Hello (voter’s name). This is (your name). I’m a neighborhood precinct volunteer and I am just checking to see if you have received your Mail-in Ballot from the County Clerk.”

If YES – “That’s great! Remember it needs to be back in the Clerk’s office by ____ (deadline).” If NO – “You can check on it by calling the Clerk at (phone number). Once you receive it, you will

need to get it back to the Clerk’s office by ____ (deadline).”

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

EARLY VOTING GOTV PLAN

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

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

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

ELECTION DAY GOTV PLAN Poll checkers keep track of who has voted at the pools and feeds that information back to

the precinct Election Day Team so they will know who they still need to encourage to vote.

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

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

Some state laws require voter turnout totals be posted by election judge on polling place doors every two hours from 9:30 a.m. until 5:50 p.m.

Provide transportation for voters who need it

If a Mail-in ballot was not mailed in, the voter may opt to vote in person by returning the ballot to the Election Judge.

Consider having some volunteers work as election judge or clerk at polling place on Election Day to prevent voter intimidation and ensure all votes are counted.

FLYERS

DOOR HANGERS Leaflets and door hangers typically have weak effects on voter turnout

1 vote per 189 registered voters

Leafleting less cost effective than door-to-door canvassing 10 cents per leaflet $12/hour to drop leaflets 45 leaflets dropped per hour x 1.5 voter per address = 67.5 voters per hour

Door hangers that provide information about polling locations and local candidates may be more effective than standard leaflets – findings are suggestive, not significant

Voter list use If neighborhood with high voter registration, blind canvassing often more cost effective If low voter registration, blind canvassing will waste time and paper

Leaflet design Use visually engaging layout Convey a simple clear message in large print Give message credibility by including more detailed information for interested readers – direct to

website or provide phone number to call

DIRECT MAIL

DIRECT MAIL Lessons learned

Weak effect on voter turnout 1 vote per 333 pieces of mail sent x 1.5 voters per household = 500 people Mail that advocates on behalf of a candidate or issue may win votes through persuasion, not mobilization – statistical evidence

though is mixed Nonpartisan GOTV mail has proven more effective at mobilizing voters than partisan or advocacy mail. Partisan and advocacy mail

appear to have no effect. Subtle variations in message content have little effect Shaming voters by showing them their own voting record and/or that of neighbors increases turnout

1 vote per 20 recipients (+5% increase) Showing their record and neighbors record increased by 8%, i.e. 1 vote per 12 mailings Must be careful though since people may become irritated since resent snooping and scolding. May cause public outcry. (In some

areas may be illegal to send neighbors voting record information.) No evidence exists to support synergistic effects between mail campaigns and other GOTV tactics

$67 per vote at 50 cents per mailing. $100 per vote if total cost of mailing and postage is $0.75 Save money by sending a mailing to each household, instead of to each voter

Design considerations Use evocative language and images to emphasize importance of voting, e.g. images of Iwo Jima to remind voters of sacrifices made to

preserve the right to vote Recipients only glace at mailings momentarily en route to the trash – “book” needs to be judged by its cover One school of thought – homely mail gets more attention because it looks like something from a local organization or neighborhood

group Bulk mail considerations

Will save 30% postage Requires bulk mailing permit from local post office By law, political direct mail gets priority over other direct mail Some post offices get jammed with political mail during days leading up to elections

MASS MEDIA

MASS MEDIA Paid media, such as TV, radio, and newspaper, ads that urge voter turnout have a very

small capacity to mobilize voters, i.e. 1-2% -- can’t rule out the possibility that the effects are zero

Televised public service announcements have disappointing effects

Mass media represents a potentially cost-effective means of raising turnout due to vast reach, despite small effect ( May not induce many people, but cost/vote low.)

TV costs are about $15/ vote Radio is $7/vote Newspaper is $5/ vote

Lowest mass media costs can be found in regions that are less affluent. (Less sales advertising creates opportunity for political advertising)

Most media research relies on surveys, which is flawed. Viewing patterns are requested in vague terms, which introduce errors. Media consumption reflects personal tastes and thus creates cause and effect issue.

E-MAIL

E-MAIL E-mails appear to have a negligible effect on voter turnout.

Personalized friend-to-friend e-mails can work on increasing turnout

Social connections, such as Facebook, may work as well

Limited tests have shown that text messaging has shown increased turnout by 2.6%

Nonpartisan e-mails designed to encourage voter participation has negligible effects on voter registration

70% of population used e-mail in 2006. Especially high among registered voters.

Many e-mails are unopened. Some studies indicated an opening rate of 10-20%

Benefits Reach large numbers at very low cost E-mails can be forwarded E-mail content is flexible Can direct recipients to web site with valuable content

VOTER REGISTRATIO

N

WHEN REGISTER Year round At least once or twice a month Typically, Voter registration applications

must be received by the county voter registrar thirty days before an election in order to vote in that election

Closer to elections, it’s best to check your state’s deadlines for voter registrations.

WHERE REGISTER As part of door-to-door “Block Walking” with “Voter Records” or “Walk-Lists” to grow your

organization, update / enhance “Voter Record” information, or to Get-Out-The-Vote for elections. Churches Events: Tea Party Rallies, Sporting Events, Gun Shows, Music Festivals, PTO meetings,

Naturalization Ceremonies, check newspapers for events Fairs: Farmer’s markets, Craft Fairs, check newspapers for fairs Stores: Grocery Stores, Malls, Feed Stores, Gas Stations, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes “New Movers” into your neighborhood or housing developments Obtain permission from management

Always ask the management for permission. In many states you have a legal right to conduct Voter Registrations and laws usually prohibit charging for the right to obtain new voter registrants.

Start by introducing yourself to management and asking them how you can get on their calendar to set up for voter Registration for a few hours one day. Assure them that you will not impede traffic and that you simply want to provide a community service. Accommodate their requests of where to set up and assure them that you will be courteous to patrons. Ask them to give you a chance.

Be courteous and respectful. Be courteous with the venue’s patrons. Be a gracious guest, leave on time, and leave the area trash free.

Once finished, make sure to thank management for the opportunity and set up another time on their calendar to repeat the Voter Registration at a later date.

You will be amazed at how many people will thank you for making the effort and taking the time to conduct the Vote Registration drive.

TABLE SUPPLIES Including petitions, political education material, political fact sheets, etc. The Voter Registration table can be a venue for voter education Light weight portable table, so can store in car trunk and set up quickly, and a couple of chairs. Signs for petitions for which you might be gathering signatures. Also signs with “Have you moved

recently? Re-register to vote here!” Will gain attention and once folks approach, you can ask them if they are registered voters. If not, voila, a new voter! Helps minimize chance of registering new voters for the opposition. Remind them that each time they move, change their name, or change party affiliation they have to re-

register. (Depends on your state.) Any clever prop to attract attention for the table, e.g. cardboard cut-out of Sarah Palin. Voter Registration forms Voter Registrations on clip boards Pens Absentee Voter or Mail-in Ballot Forms to request absentee or mail-in ballots. These can be taken

home, filled out, and sent in by the requester. Make sure to pick up sufficient forms at the Board of Elections.

Petitions on clip boards Fact sheets on political issues, legislation, or action alerts to educate public Paper weights, such as rocks, to keep on all the forms and flyers Have County Clerk/ Registrar’s office phone number to share with voters. Cell phone number of experienced Voter Registration contact person(s)

TRAINING Make sure volunteers are trained – in groups or individually

before starting actual registration

In some states, such as Ohio, all volunteers who register new voters have to become “Certified Deputy Registrars” – must be non-partisan! Have the County Clerk’s office schedule a thirty minute training and

certification session The County Clerk’s office will provide voter registration forms and a

“Deputy Voter Registrar” number.

You may want to contact like minded conservative organizations who have experience conducting Voter Registration drives for help preparing and training your volunteer

VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS Obtain large quantities of Registration forms at the County Board of Elections/ County Clerk/

Registrar’s Office Inform them that you are a member of a volunteer organization who will be pursuing registration drives They may require you to complete a distribution form (depends on state). On it you will need to indicate

that you are a volunteer, are familiar with the voter registration laws, and where you are planning to conduct registration drives.

Obtain the instruction sheet for How to Properly Complete the Voter Registration Card. This information is also typically available on the Secretary of State’s website for your state.

Also familiarize yourself with likely errors made on Voter Registrations and most common questions new registrants might ask. This information can be obtained either by asking at the Board of Election etc. or by going to the Secretary of State website.

Forms must be completed by new registrants legibly and correctly. It assures that all fields are filled in if the spaces are highlighted by volunteers beforehand. Voter Registration volunteers should double check each form, once completed.

At large rallies or venues, which may draw voters from many counties or even accross state lines, make sure you have correct Voter Registration forms for each of the locations. Some states have different Voter Registration forms for each county.

HANDLING COMPLETED FORMS Assure that the Voter Registration form is filled out completely and legibly. Forms can be refused even for a

single mistake, such as being incomplete, illegible, or entries are crossed out. Make sure the form is signed.

As the person doing the registration, in some states you may be required to enter information on the Registration Forms, such as your name, phone number, and signature. Some organizations use an ink signature stamp for this purpose. Do not pre-stamp unfilled forms beforehand.

In some states, you will need to detach a receipt from the bottom of the form and hand it to the new registrant. Inform the new registrant to keep the receipt until they are informed by the County Clerk or Registrar that they are registered to vote.

At the Voter Registration table, store all completed forms in a safe place. Do not leave them unattended.

Depending on the state, the Voter Registration must be submitted, either by mail or dropped off at the Registrar’s Office, within a certain number of days. For example, in California it’s three days.

Focus on registering like-minded conservative new voters. Selection of venue can increase the probability of encountering these conservative folks, but you may at times have to deal with big-government liberals who want to register to vote. When you do encounter them, remember that you are only obligated to give everyone who asks a Voter Registration form. You are not obligated to assume responsibility for submitting it to the Board of Elections. You can instead simply hand the completed Voter Registration form to the big-government liberal and request that they submit it themselves to the Board of Elections. Be sure not to place any of your organization’s information on the form, in which case you would have assumed responsibility to submit it to the Board of Elections.

WATCH-OUTS It’s against federal law to give anything

away of value in exchange for a registration at your table. You can distribute educational fliers.

It’s ok to discuss politics, but do not engage in heated political discussions. Just smile and politely end the conversation with big government liberals. They will go away.

CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTIES“However [political parties] may now and then

answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and

unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for

themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which

have lifted them to unjust dominion”.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Farewell Address, Sep. 17, 1796

CANDIDATES “THE VOICES OF AMERICA” methodology requires:

Constitutionally-grounded political candidates Who support limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms.

Informed constituents in each district will base vote on: Which candidate best adheres to these Constitutional principles Has the best chance of getting elected so that they can implement these

principles.

Sources of Good Candidates Independents –GOOOH and former, defecting Republicans “Tea Party” Republicans Ask Republican voters not to “split the vote” and elect Democrats Otherwise, vote Republican, until their “day of reckoning” comes

CANDIDATE VETTING WITH VOTER GUIDES Homemakers of America’s Abigail Adams Project is creating non-partisan Voter

Guides to assure that candidates who support Constitutional principles and values are elected.

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

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

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

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

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

CANDIDATE VETTING WITH TOWNHALLS Audience members ask questions of the candidate in a real time fashion.

When audience members enter the townhall event, ask if would like to ask a question. Give them a card to fill out with their name.

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

In order to maintain objectivity Ask a member of the audience to select cards at random The person selected from the card will be allowed to direct questions to the participants.

Each candidate will then have 3 minutes to answer the question. The person asking the question will have an opportunity to ask one follow up question, if

desired. That person may ask a different candidate the same question or a follow up with the original

candidate

Any question directed to the candidate with a yes or no requested answer will be required to answer with a yes or no.

The candidate will then be given the allotted 3 minutes to explain his/her position.

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

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

RECLAIM PARTIES VIA PRECINCT EXECUTIVES Precinct Organizing can be leveraged to elect Constitution principle based

candidates to Precinct Executive positions of either Party.

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

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

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

Many of these positions are currently vacant and you have a 30-50% chance to run for this position unopposed.

PRECINCT ORGANIZING CONFUSION


Precinct Organizing

2010 Election

2012 Election

Political PartyPrecinct

Central Committee

County State National Candidate

HOW TO BECOME A PRECINCT EXECUTIVE Obtain a Precinct member petition from the Board of Election in

your county Need 5 names within your party, recommend 15

Return your signed petition by February 18th in Ohio

Campaign from February until Primary Election on May 4th, 2010 in Ohio Call Board of Election to see if running uncontested, which happens

regularly, sometimes ½ of the time nationwide. When vacant, people are appointed.

If have a challenger, use available Voter Records to engage regular primary voters for party you’re running for at least 3 times before election

Most precincts decided by less than 400 votes

PARTY ORGANIZATION The Party’s leadership is elected every two years. In Ohio this opportunity not available again until 2012

The Party’s COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE is elected at the first meeting of PRECINCT EXECUTIVES In a small county, all the precinct executives make up the Central Committee In a large county, the elected Central Committee represents the party. Made up of one person from a city ward (12 connected precincts) or a member of a county’s

township.

ELECTED COUNTY LEADERS ELECT STATE LEADERSHIP 1 month after the COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE is elected, they elect the county leaders [have the

power to appoint] who form the COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1 month later the county leaders elect the 50 State party leaders 1 month later the 50 State party leaders elect the National party leader [procedures vary from state

to state]

PARTY LEADERS Make the party rules Can stop the corruption in the board of election Decide how the votes are counted and eliminate vote fraud Choose the candidates and determine how the presidential primary is run Decide whose name appears on the Official Party Voter Guide which is delivered to the Party faithful

UNIVERSAL VOTER

REGISTRATION

DEMOCRATIC 2010 ELECTION STRATEGY Universal Voter Registration

Override all state election laws Force states to register everyone to vote

On welfare Unemployed Has a driver’s license, Is a property owner

Many people on these lists are duplicates and many are illegal aliens.

2008 ELECTION – INCOMPETENCE OR FRAUD?

George Soros’ Secretary of State Project pre-2008 Targeted funding efforts on Secretary of State Races in seven swing states ( included OH & MN) In collaboration with ACORN’s Project Vote, Vote from Home and other programs.

Actions and Decisions made by Ohio’s Secretary of State In 2006, re-interpreted Ohio Election Statutes and created the “Golden Week” – Register & Vote at

same time Ordered the unprepared and understaffed County Election Boards to set up voting centers that

would assure a massive turnout Banned all poll-watchers from the vote centers.

600,000 new voters registered Declined to enforce reconciling provision of the “Help America Vote Act Admitted that known “discrepancies” existed for about 200,000 registrations

Federal U.S District judge ruled that breaking federal law Overruled in a split decision by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals on a technicality – no private

lawsuits Sought to invalidate a million signed, absentee-ballot applications issued by the McCain campaign,

Technical issue of inadvertently having an extra, unnecessary checkbox. The Ohio Supreme Court later overturned this Secretary of State’s directive.

Ohio NET Obama won by ~270,000 votes ACORN paid $800,000 to register new voters

“SILENT MAJORITY” CAN WIN ELECTIONS 76% Of Electorate Are Like-Minded

40% are Conservative 36% are Moderate 20% are Liberal

Conservatives Now Outnumber Liberals in All 50 States

October 26, 2009 Gallup Poll

65% NOW HOLD POPULIST, OR MAINSTREAM, VIEWS

Only four 4% now support the Political Class

Skeptical of big government

Republicans and Independent voters are more likely to hold Mainstream views

51% of Democrats hold such views

Source: Rasmussen Report , January 31, 2010

GET ORGANIZED

ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITY MATRIX

Southwest

Alliance

Northwest

Alliance

Northeast Alliance

CentralAlliance

SoutheastAlliance

Individual Organizations Are Responsible For Their Actions

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Facilitate Decision Making Process for Common Actions

PRECINCT ORGANIZING COORDINATION

RegionalEnabling & Coordinating

Board

StateEnabling & Coordinating

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Precinct Coordinat

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County Enabling &

Coordinating Board

Precinct Coordina

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RegionalEnabling & Coordinating

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Responsibilities• Use of Best Practices

• Training• Resource Coordination for GOTV

• Funding & Enabling

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STRUCTURE- ELECTION & TERMS Each county shall be represented by all patriot groups unless a group decides to not join with

the other groups in said county, a minimum of at least 5 representatives. Each county group representative shall be selected by a majority vote in the county group they are to represent. They shall be seated for a term of 2 years.

In counties where there are not 5 patriot groups, members shall elect one person per group with the remainder being at large positions.

The state of Ohio, having been divided into five regions for the purpose of training, would retain the regions for representation purposes. Each region would have a 5 member board appointed from the ranks of the individual counties, on a rotating basis, in alphabetical order from A to Z for terms lasting 2 years.

The state governing body shall be comprised of 10 members selected from each of the 5 regions, two members from each. The representatives shall be selected from the membership of the member counties in the state, or from the ranks of the governing board of the county or region, with the 2 candidates receiving the most votes being seated for a term of 2 years.

At each level a chairman shall be elected by the members of the committee to preside over all meetings. Where possible rules of order are to be adhered to with all decisions being made by a secret ballot with a 2/3rd majority present being a quorum.

STRUCTURE - LIMITATIONS In order to limit the building of power bases it is advised that no

person running for public office, in a public office, or having been in a public office, shall hold a state or regional position. They may however represent their individual groups in their respective county.

Using a position in the organization as a spring board for public office is to be discouraged.

If a person in any leadership capacity in the organization decides to run for public office they are to resign as soon as their decision has been made. If they fail to be elected for public office they will be eligible to hold office at the time of the next election for county, regional, or state representative.

STRUCTURE - FINANCES Each county shall form a 501(c) 4 for the purpose of recruiting and the

general needs of the county group as described by the 501 (c) 4 rules set forth by the Ohio Secretary of State.

All required filings are to be forwarded to the appropriate governmental divisions in a timely manor.

The 10 member state committee shall possess a 501 (c) 4 for the support of

state board functions where allowed by state law. They shall also have a 501 (c) 3 for the purpose of receiving tax deductible

donations. These monies will be used to inform and educate the voting public about candidates, voter guides and candidate nights, as well as supporting the counties with educational material and financing educational meetings pertaining to issues and legislation in the state of Ohio and before the congress of the United States.

All educational efforts will be made in a non partisan way and will not favor one party over the other. All 501 (c) 3 rules will be strictly adhered to and all filings will be made in a timely manor

FAITHFUL ACTION

FAITHFUL ACTIONOBJECTIVE Limited government, free markets, and individual liberties

(including freedom of religion in the public square)

GOAL Win back the House and the Senate in November , 2010

with more conservative politicians Win back the Presidency in 2012 with a conservative

candidate Keep pressure on all politicians to achieve objective – will

take time.

BACKGROUND Religious organizations have been:

Excluded from political process via misunderstanding and excuse of 501(c)(3) non-profit status Assaulted in public square by government funded third parties, under the

1976 Civil Rights Attorneys Fee Act. Current assaults: public funding of abortions, eliminate National Day of Prayer, and new Hate Crime Bill.

All this is contrary to Alexis de Tocqueville’s observations in mid 1800’s in Democracy in America, in which he writes extensively about the marriage of religion and politics in America

If the socialization of America is not stopped, Religion will be replaced by an omnipotent, secular-humanist socialist government, as evidenced in socialist Europe where churches are empty.

A.D. Lindsay in his classic 1943 study, The Modern Democratic State, writes: “It was perhaps equally important that the existence and prestige of the Church prevented society from being totalitarian, prevented the omnicompetent state, and preserved liberty in the only way that liberty can be preserved, by maintaining in society an organization which could stand up against the state.”

As a call to political responsibility, in late 2007 the U.S. Catholic Bishops started a “Faithful Citizenship” initiative.

The Bishops state that: “In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation”. Pope Benedict XVI calls political activity, “social charity”.

People of faith represent a large, underutilized voting block and of potential volunteers (African-American churches being the exception.) - resource http://www.barna.org/

68 million Catholics; 100+ million Evangelicals. 80% tend to be conservative? Low turnout for Evangelical Christians in 2008 and 2006, after largest turnout of in 2004. Liberals

regained both houses and won the Presidency in 2008.

http://www.theacru.org/acru/the_aclus_exploitation_of_the_civil_rights_attorney_fee_act/

http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/

STRATEGY – OHIO EVENT TEMPLATE Mobilize people of faith to join with patriot organizations and pursue non-partisan

and non-religious precinct organizing, candidate nights, and voter guides.

Conduct regional events to provide background, motivation, education, and activism training geared towards faith based audience

Recruit faith based attendees by working around priests and ministers, who resist political involvement, by using church community social networks, church directories, and precinct organizing methods to identify interested church members

Start with people of faith in existing patriot organizations to initiate process

Start with central Ohio event drawing on whole state, using existing patriot network to recruit people of faith. ( “As Ohio goes, so goes the nation…”; Ohio motto “With God, All Things Are Possible”)

Take national via existing national patriot networks and The Voices Of America website, which is getting much national traction

ACTION Plan 4 hour session to provide background, motivation, education, and activism

training Mount Vernon Theater (Seats 1000; As of 4/9 - Sundays May 16,23,30 and June 6,13,20)

740-393-6703

Agenda / Speakers Master of Ceremonies – Warren Edstrom, The Voices Of America Entertainment – TBD /Patriotic and/ or contemporary religious Motivational / Background / History/ Perspective

Thomas Tabback – author, etc. (www.pearlgate.org) – Founders, Religion, and Civic Duty Catholic Speaker – TBD / Suggested - Brian Rooney (www.runwithrooney.com) & Tom Brinkman Evangelical Speaker – TBD / Suggested – Clint Zeigler

Relevant Legal Matters – TBD / via Maurice Thomson ? Civic Training

Precinct Organizing – Peter Wolf, The Voices Of America Candidate Townhalls – Warren Edstrom, The Voices Of America Voter Guides – Kimberly Fletcher, Homemakers of America & Abigail Adams Project Testimonial/ Anecdotal Examples – Ralph Kraus Internet Activism – TBD

http://www.pearlgate.org/

http://www.runwithrooney.com/

EXAMPLE 1998 Kansas State Board of Education

(Religious Activism) Election created a 6 to 4 conservative majority Achieved via Precinct Organizing of hundreds of

churchgoers in low-turnout Republican primaries A year later, the Board in August, 1999 dropped

evolution from science education, allowing local school boards to decide what to teach

When groups such as conservative Christians or elderly Americans vote in large numbers, policymakers take their concerns seriously

CAMPAIGN CONSULTANT

S

WHY NOT PURSUE WHAT WORKS? The most effective methodology to get-out-the-vote for elections is door-to-

door canvassing.

The second most effective method is to have passionate and informed volunteers make personalized calls to registered voters.

Despite this, these Precinct Organizing methodologies are no longer much pursued by parties since parties want centralized control of campaign resources and the message.

Additionally, campaign consultants profit more with brokered mass media, phone banks, and direct mail.

Nevertheless, Organizing for America did pursue limited Precinct Organizing for the 2008 election with much success and with particular focus on registering new Democratic voters, much of it via outsourcing to ACORN.

DATA BASED KEY FINDINGS Campaign managers are able to protect their reputation by employing well-accepted,

profitable, but inefficient campaign tactics since everyone is doing it and someone has to win the election.

But, just because everyone is doing it does not mean that it works.

Relevant key findings based on statistical analyses are as follows: Experts rarely measure effectiveness Experts may report speculations in the guise of “findings”, which should be suspect Seasoned campaign veterans know a great deal about the inputs, but they seldom possess reliable

information about outputs Publications tend to play up what works in getting out the vote, since not likely to report studies which

show no effect – known as “publication bias” Research debunks claims of synergy for varying campaign tactics It’s more difficult to study voter choice than voter turnout. Only randomized experiments with randomized assignments assure fair comparisons – flip coin to

decide who receives treatment Rare in politics, as are successful third party candidates Voting is measured by examining public records, not by asking people whether they voted Subject voting rates to statistical analyses & replicate experiment in other times and places

STATISTICALLY BASED VOTES / CONTACT Actual, statistically based determinations of campaign effectiveness for

various candidate or issue get-out-the-vote tactics are: (Assumes that voters are not already passionately engaged in the political process as they are now with the threat to their liberties by an ever larger government and assault on free markets.)

Door-to-door canvassing – 1 vote gained per 14 contacts ( assumes a normal 50% voting rate)

Volunteer phone-bank – 1 vote per 38 contacts ( Talented volunteers or calls within last week prior to elections can increase success rate to 1 vote per 20 completed calls)

Professional phone bank – 1 vote per 180 calls Leaflets – 1 vote per 189 voters Direct mail – 1 vote per 333 pieces of mail sent Robo-calls – 1 vote per 1000 calls Mass media – 1-2%, but can’t rule out the that the effects are zero (Low cost/ vote

ratio due to broad reach and relative low cost for media, but actual total mobilized voters are low. Most media research relies on surveys, which is flawed.)

“TAKE BACK YOUR GOVERNMENT!”

This is intended to be a practical manual of instruction for the American layman who has taken no regular part in politics, has no personal political ambitions, and no desire to make money out of politics, but who, nevertheless, would like to do something to make his or her chosen form of government work better.

If you have a gnawing, uneasy feeling that you should be doing something to preserve our freedoms and to protect and improve our way of life but have been held back by lack of time, lack of money, or the helpless feeling that you individually could not do enough to make the effort worthwhile, then this book was written for you.

The individual, unpaid and inexperienced volunteer citizen can take this country away from the career politicians and run it to suit himself—if he knows how to go about it.

GET OUT THE VOTE: HOW TO INCREASE VOTER TURNOUT

The first edition of Get Out the Vote! broke ground by introducing a new scientific approach to the challenge of voter mobilization and profoundly influenced how campaigns operate.

In this expanded and updated edition, the authors incorporate data from more than one hundred new studies, which shed new light on the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of various campaign tactics, including door-to-door canvassing, e-mail, direct mail, and telephone calls.

Two new chapters focus on the effectiveness of mass media campaigns and events such as candidate forums and Election Day festivals.

… this practical guide on voter mobilization is sure to be an important resource for consultants, candidates, and grassroots organizations.

DNC PORTRAYAL OF

CONSERVATIVES

Source: Colorado Think Precinct

Source: Kansas GOP, 1/09

BACKGROUND SLIDES

“Leaders” Tabs

How Create Team

Leadership Meetings

Training Agenda

Fundraising

“Volunteers” Tabs

Volunteer Logistics

Recruitment Meeting

Logistics Meeting

Agenda Meeting Tips

Capability Tabs “TOOLS” Tab

Key Voter Data Excel

Importation Registering

New Voters

“NotifyNOW” Tab Robo-call Script

“APPROACH” Tabs

Planning Timing Materials

Needed Optimum Times No One Home Rural Plan College Plan Do’s Don’ts

“Talking Points”

Tabs Blockwalk

Script Discussion

Tips Sample

Responses

“GOTV” Tabs

Preparation Blockwalking Phone Mail-in Ballots Early Voting Election Day

65% NOW HOLD POPULIST, OR MAINSTREAM, VIEWS

Only four 4% now support the Political Class

Skeptical of big government

Republicans and Independent voters are more likely to hold Mainstream views

51% of Democrats hold such views

Source: Rasmussen Report , January 31, 2010

BROAD APPEAL & RELEVANCE OF PATRIOT ORGANIZATION PRINCIPLES

65% think the national debt is the greatest potential threat to the country’s future

79% of voters think that it is possible the economy could collapse, including large majorities of Democrats (72%), Republicans (84%), and Independents (80%).

84% of Republicans and 74% of Independents think the government is too big; while just over half of Democrats (51%) are okay with the size of government.

“80% of Americans say they can’t trust Washington” - Pew Research on April 18, 2010

56% of people say they think the federal government has become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens. Breakdowns by party affiliation, of those who believe this, are: 37% of Democrats, 63% Independents, and 70% Republicans.

63% of likely voters believe that it would be better for the country if most incumbents in Congress were defeated this November.

“WHERE THE TEA PARTIERS SHOULD GO FROM HERE”Citizen’s Pledge:1. Educate themselves about key issues of health care,

spending, deficits and the economy.2. Ascertain with certainty where candidates for the U.S.

Senate and House stand on these issues.3. Agree to register and then vote this fall for candidates they

personally believe best represent their views on issues.4. Make a manageable list of 10 to 25 people whom they

would individually approach to take the pledge.5. Personally see that each of their recruits register and vote.

Karl Rove, Wall Street Journal Opinion Page, April 1, 2010

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP WIN IN 2010 Conventional top-down media-driven political campaign isn’t working anymore

because we don’t believe what we hear from strangers. Our politicians suffer from a huge credibility gap. We attach virtually no credibility to paid political ads.

The more we disbelieve those we don’t know, the more we do believe, and rely upon, those we do know.

The old regimen of media propaganda is swiftly being supplanted by old-fashioned word of mouth–recommendations from friends, trusted colleagues, and established, credible commentators–as our main source of information.

You are the campaign! Each of us must conduct our own campaign within our own circle of acquaintances, until the

circle spreads to include thousands of voters. Our audience is a large circle of people and we’re at its center. We have school and college

buddies, office colleagues, family members (even if we have to climb pretty far out on the family tree), members of civic and fraternal groups, clients, social friends, and other associates.

If you want to make a difference in 2010, now’s the time to start reaching out to all those people to spread the word. They are your constituents–your electronic precinct.

Dick Morris & Eileen McGann – April 15, 2010, based on book “Take Back America – A Battle Plan”

VOTER CONTACT EFFECTIVENESS

Source: Colorado Precinct Project - http://www.thinkprecinct.com/

ELECTORAL VOTES BY STATE

GROW YOUR ORGANIZATION

From: www.democracyforamerica.com

Easier to recruit & excite with non-partisan message and specific tasks

START WITH ROBO-CALL CANVASSING Call all targeted voters in precinct

Easy and fast method to reach many voters Able to update voter records by finding numbers that are no longer in service Leave call back messages

Messages can be used for: Assuring people "they are not alone“ Invite them to join your organization Alerting people of important meetings Get-Out-The-Vote on election day

Preferred supplier provides capability to us at 4 cents per 60 second call. Calling 1,100 people in a precinct costs only $44. Tom Zawistowski at 1-800-846-4630 Ext 104 or e-mail him at

[email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

ROBO-CALL SCRIPT

Hello, my name is _____ .I am a concerned citizen from your neighborhood who is troubled by how politicians of both parties are bankrupting our country and are jeopardizing our children’s and grandchildren’s future.

If you are concerned about what is going on in Washington, I would welcome your involvement with our community group focused on electing candidates who believe in Constitutional Principles of limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms.

Together we can make a difference!

Please call me at _________ or e-mail me at _______.

DISTRICT STRATEGIC FOCUS

Note: Wilson( OH-6) & Space (OH-18) are Blue Dog DemocratsThanks to Dan Lillback of the Cincinnati Tea Party

VOTER RECORD SPECIAL NEEDS Determine Precinct if not in Voter Record

Use ZIP codes and Google maps to identify precincts.

Need four digit extensions for ZIP codes. Can get from US Post Office web site with

addresses. Determine Phone numbers if not in

Voter Record Use …

FLYER – ISSUES VS. CONSTITUTION

INCUMBENT REPRESENTATIVES OUT OF TOUCH

57% Would Like to Replace Entire Congress Just 25% of voters nationwide would keep the

current batch of legislators Just 14% give Congress good or excellent

review for their overall performance 74% trust their own economic judgment

more than that of Congress 75% say members of Congress are more

interested in their own careersSource: August 30, 2009 Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

RE-ELECTION – 90% VS. EXPECTED 50% More than 90% of Congress routinely

gets reelected 50% say “rigged” election rules explain high

reelection rules for Congress

When the Constitution was written, the nation’s founders expected that there would be a 50% turnover in the House of Representatives every election cycle.

Source: August 30, 2009 Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

REPUBLICANS ARE A “DAMAGED BRAND”

69% of GOP Voters Say Republicans in Congress Out of Touch With The Party Base ( May & August, 2009 Rasmussen national telephone survey.)

Just 21% of GOP voters believe Republicans in Congress have done a good job representing their own party’s values.

28% of respondents had positive feelings about the Republican Party (August 25th Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll)

Compared with 42% for Democrats.

TheVoicesOfAmerica.org Precinct organizing Best Practices

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