For my initial foray into the canvassing world for Jared Polis for Colorado’s governor, I was sent to the Cherry Creek neighborhood. Fortunately, the doors being knocked were fairly close together — just up and down about eight blocks total, to knock on doors and drop note cards describing what Jared Polis is trying to do for the state. It was in the early afternoon last Tuesday, a rather pleasant day for walking and I wore clothes designed to be inoffensive to any voters in that area (iow, a polo shirt without obvious logo, ball cap with the state “C” on it and jeans). I couldn’t find my shirt with flags all over it, but I’ll find it and use it soon. Maybe tomorrow.
The neighborhood was very easy to get through. Many of the houses had gates and I decided that I wasn’t going through any closed gates, no matter how much I might feel someone might be home. I knocked or rang doorbells where there were exposed doors, and where the people had “Ring” doorbells with video cameras, I stood back, held up the flyer and put on a medium smile (not a big cheesy grin, nor a frown). I had 44 or 54 doors to knock on, and I wound up only getting to talk with about 5 people. It was the middle of the afternoon, and many people I presume were out working, trying to pay for the very fancy houses they were living in. The people I did get in touch with hadn’t all made up their minds — only one seemed to be paying attention and he said he was not happy with Polis’ positions on the oil and gas setback rules, but he said he really didn’t like the Republican so he would likely go along with Polis.
I did not have to stop at this door, though I’m thinking this might be someone who admires Trump. Many might find this gaudy, but I kinda like it. I’ve always liked the combination of black and gold.The campaign is funded like the races I have worked for before, where the candidates are running for federal offices. The list I had consisted of expected Democratic and Independent voters who would likely lean Democratic. I don’t know just how they compile the lists — I presume the Democratic voters were from the primaries and past voting history. The Independents may be made up of other demographics or maybe they’re people who at one time were registered as Democrats. The campaign is out trying to get early commitments so they can collect volunteers and also commitments to be able to take people off their follow-up contact lists. Later on, they’ll probably work on getting in touch with people that may be less known.
If anyone wants to canvass, it takes a willingness to strike up conversations with strangers who are likely to be at least somewhat on our side as far as politics go (though you may get people who answer the door and aren’t exactly who you’re asking for, like fathers suspicious of their children’s habits). You need some time to dedicate, and it’s a good way to get some exercise and see new areas of town. I had a good time checking out peoples’ gardens and yards, sometimes even seeing how they decorated their homes and I was also interested to see where the older houses had been scraped off and replaced either with new single-family homes or with multi-family buildings. There were still a few older buildings that weren’t in very nice repair, but I’d say 90+ % were showing that their owners were benefiting from Denver’s booming economy.
There are plenty of other positions for volunteers within campaigns. They will need people to call voters (so if you’re not one to meet people in person, this could work for you) as well as to enter data, to help prepare walking packets, organize literature, help take care of campaign offices and maybe even to help transport people around. Later, I’m sure they’ll need folks to stand on corners and wave signs once voting is starting. I’m volunteering for the Governor’s race, but lower level races are even more in need of volunteers. Check out previous diaries on this, like this one by Leftcandid. Please don’t sit out — this is too important.
These are starting to turn color in my backyard. I’ve enjoyed some fruit while out canvassing, though I make sure to get permission.