Block Walking Tips from the Trenches

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Block Walking Tips from the Trenches

• Jane Vidales Chair, HCDP Clubs and
  Organizations
• missvidales_at_yahoo.com
• Aimee Mobley Turney Chair, HCDP Precinct 14
• chair_at_hcdp14.com

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Block Walk Kit

• Be sure you have these items before
  blockwalking
• Plenty of gas in the tank of drivers car
• Gear
• Bag
• Cross trainers or running shoes
• Light colored clothing, preferably cotton
• Candidate t-shirt
• Club t-shirt
• Party t-shirt
• Hat
• Sun Protection 15 UV or higher
• Sunglasses
• Bandana for sweaters
• Fanny pack for pens, cell phone, keys

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Block Walk Kit (continued)

• Clip board
• Precinct map - highlighted
• Directions from Yahoo - HQ to major intersection
  in precinct
• Block walk list
• Spanish flyers
• Door hangers
• 2 packets signed Sorry I missed you when voter
  is not home
• 2 packets to distribute when voter answers the
  door
• Additional Literature
• Amendments/bond information
• Neighborhood club information
• Information on Absentee/Early Voting
• Voter Registration Tablet
• Yellow script / guidelines with blue issues paper
• Snacks, non-caffeinated beverages
• Three pens

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Block Walking Guidelines

• The impression you make at the voter's door will
  last in his/her mind longer than anything you
  say.
• Approach block walking as if you were taking a
  poll. Be concise, informative, and upbeat.
• When asked who you are working for, say, Im a
  volunteer with the (candidates name) campaign.

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Block Walking Guidelines (continued)

• Spend only 2-3 minutes at each door. Spend time
  talking to people who seem interested in the
  candidate. The goal is to contact as many voters
  as possible.
• If the resident tries to engage you in a
  debate/argument, dont bite. Say I understand
  your position. Thank you. Have a great day and
  leave. Let sleeping dogs lie. Do not waste your
  time.
• Never put any literature in a mailbox. This is
  illegal and results in heavy fines for the
  campaign.

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Block Walking Guidelines (continued)

• Ignore No Soliciting signs. You are not
  selling anything.
• Please do not walk across lawns. Use sidewalks
  and driveways only. They tend to get grumpy and
  are much less receptive to conversation if they
  see you trampling through their begonias.
• In general, it is best not to record information
  directly in front of people. This tends to make
  people uncomfortable. Instead, enter it after
  their door is closed and you are leaving.
  However, if they offer their email address or
  request information, then take note of that in
  front of them.

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Block Walking Guidelines (continued)

• Stay in pairs. Assign one person to be the
  talker and one to be the record keeper. Do what
  works.
• If you ever feel uncomfortable with a home, do
  not approach it or knock on the door. (i.e.
  barking dogs, looks abandoned, or simply does not
  look safe to approach). Skip the house. Your
  safety comes before all else.
• Never enter the voters home. If they ask you to
  enter for the conversation, simply tell them that
  you are more comfortable outside, or that you are
  short on time. This rarely happens, but even if
  they appear to be completely normal and harmless,
  you should not enter their homes.

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Block Walking Guidelines (continued)

• If you are running out of time, please put door
  hanger on specified houses on the rest of your
  route.
• Trade cell phone numbers with the members of your
  car/team.
• Remember your craziest block walking story.
  Well share stories over dinner!
• If you have any questions, never hesitate to ask.
  
• We want all of our volunteers to get as much out
  of the experience as possible. WE THANK YOU!!