Canvassing is a great way to speak one-on-one with your neighbors about the things that matter to us. I have been involved in several canvassing campaigns. They always involve my political pet issues that our legislature refused to address and activate my sense that I, one person, can make a difference in our political process. Canvassing is our democracy at work. Keeping it alive and vibrant.
I went door–to-door distributing candidate information for both of President Obama’s campaigns, as well as Senator Claire McCaskill’s. I’ve worked against Right to Work (“for less”). I circulated petitions for Clean Missouri to put controls on gerrymandering and reduce gifting to legislatures to $5, requiring that legislative committees and the legislature only work where the public is invited. I worked for the $15 minimum wage initiative.
I’ve also worked to register many voters for Metropolitan Congregations United and the League of Women Voters. Some voters who wouldn’t make eye contact with me and with whom I gently persisted had served time and ”paid their dues,” were off probation, and did not know that their right to vote in Missouri was restored if they just registered to vote. They were so pleased to have that dignity restored.
My door-to-door canvassing usually meant leaving the info on the doorknob as people were not home or were not answering. But people may prefer the more passive info rather than a person speaking with them. That is not the case, however, when circulating initiative petitions. There, when you’ve piqued someone’s interest and gained another signature, it is a feeling of accomplishment. For our democracy. What a good feeling. …And walking neighborhoods makes me feel connected to American communities. Connected is good. …Especially now.
I know I am doing something positive for my democracy. As I like to say “can’t never did anything”. Go do something. Every candidate you like and every ballot measure campaign you support is looking for canvassing volunteers. Reach out and offer your time. Everything you do - or don’t do - matters.