Use this page to prepare for a canvass. For current shifts, launches, and signup instructions, start with the campaign canvassing hub. The campaign pages are the source of truth for schedules and live forms.
- Open the quickstart canvass training.
- Sign up for a current canvass shift or group launch through the canvassing hub.
- Ask your County Captain or Field Organizer for the current OpenField link, account instructions, and Conversation Code. These campaign credentials are not published on the wiki.
- How To Talk To Voters (PDF) - Conversation goals, listening, personal pitches, persuasion, objections, and de-escalation.
- Policy & Talking Points (PDF) - Background on Abdul, campaign priorities, accomplishments, and responses to common questions. Check current campaign materials before repeating time-sensitive claims.
- How To Canvass - The campaign guide summarized in the checklist below. Ask your County Captain or Field Organizer for the current source copy and any updated app instructions.
- Ask and listen first. Start with a question about what matters to the voter instead of delivering a monologue. Most of the time, they will have A LOT to say. Be patience.
- Connect one to three relevant campaign points to what the voter shared. Keep an opening pitch short, then make room for the voter to respond.
- Be honest and transparent. If you do not know, say “I don’t know, but I can help you find out.” Do not guess, over-promise, or invent an answer.
- Stay respectful and curious. Do not label voters, insult other candidates or supporters, or argue with someone who is hostile. Thank them and move on when a conversation is not productive.
- Make a clear, respectful ask when it fits: support Abdul, make a voting plan, bring a friend, or volunteer.
- Confirm you can access OpenField and have the current Conversation Code from a County Captain or Field Organizer.
- Open your knock list and bring your phone, literature, water, a snack, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Bring campaign gear if you have it. A partner is optional; canvass with someone else if you want company, safety support, or extra guidance.
- Review the map and plan a route before you start. Use sidewalks and follow local access rules.
- Watch for dogs and take care around apartment entrances. Look up the listed voter name before knocking.
- Ring the bell and knock if needed. Wait about 45 seconds before marking a door as not home. Keep most visits to roughly two or three minutes unless the voter wants to continue.
- Record the result in OpenField right away, including a no-answer. Follow the app and organizer guidance for who may be added or scored.
- Leave literature at the door. Never put in mailbox! Putting items in a mailbox, if you are not a postal worker, is a federal offense. According to our favorite congresswoman and lawyer, on top of a mailbox is fine.
- Keep information accurate. If a question is outside the guide, direct the voter to an official campaign source or ask an organizer.
- Do not enter a home or vehicle, accept food or drinks, or share private voter information.
- Do not argue, mislead, make up facts, speak to press, or disparage another candidate or supporter. Refer press questions to the campaign communications team.
- If a door or situation feels unsafe, skip it. Your safety and dignity come first.
- Sync your data before logging out. If you cannot finish a list, leave clean data and follow organizer instructions about finishing or releasing it.
Ask your County Captain or Field Organizer for the current OpenField instructions, Conversation Code, literature, and any local safety guidance. You can also join the volunteer community on Slack and find your local chapter.
This page summarizes volunteer-provided training materials. Guidance and campaign claims can change, so check the linked campaign pages and current source documents before each shift. Page checked September 22, 2026.