If you care about the results of the upcoming election, whether it is wanting Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in office, I encourage you to get out and canvass! Canvassing is super important to any political campaign, as it provides an opportunity to enourage and motivate citizens who otherwise may not have voted to do so. 

You can have meaningful conversations about candidates and policies with everyday voters, which I think is really cool. I went out and canvassed for the first time this month, and I had a great time. While yes, many people did not answer their doors, some did. I had some worthwhile conversations with Carlisle voters about policies that are important to them, candidates who are looking to make change and general conversations connecting with people. 

While I was canvassing for Kamala Harris, Janelle Stelson, Rick Christie and other Democratic down-ballot candidates, I had the opportunity to knock on some Republican doors. While no one’s mind was changed, we had a cordial conversation and established some common ground, which is especially important in today’s heightened age of polarization. 

The most important aspect of canvassing is motivating potential voters to make a formal plan to vote. Whether it is as simple as reminding people that Election Day is November 5 or asking some more detailed questions about voter registration, your job as a canvasser is to just help motivate them. 

Also, don’t forget that the November 5 election is not just about Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. So many important local and statewide offices will be determined, all of which can have an enormous impact on policy. 

Research backs the efficacy of canvassing up as well. Political science research continually shows that face-to-face voter contact is the most successful method of getting out the vote. As opposed to email blasts, advertisements or other forms of political messaging, canvassing provides a needed human interaction and connection, which can be especially motivating to potentially unmotivated voters. 

Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent or belong to any other party, canvassing for candidates is an important aspect of elections that shouldn’t be undervalued. It provides a great opportunity to talk to people about candidates and policies you are passionate about. It also feels good to know that if you canvassed for a candidate who wins their election, you had a small part to play in their victory. Contact the Dickinson College Democrats or Dickinson College Republicans for information on canvassing in the Carlisle area. Get out and canvass!