Been hearing rumblings about (a) people mad that Dems aren't canvassing; (b) some funders holding back $$ "until canvassing comes back” & (c) candidates feeling pressure to canvass. I want to be as clear as possible: It's unethical & dangerous to canvass in a global pandemic. /1
I get it. Every study shows that canvassing is the tried & true most effective way to get people to show up to vote. We all want to do the thing that we know works! /2
And maybe you saw that the Koch network is sending out canvassers & you're nervous we're falling behind. That should be a negative cue for you: They're willing to do it because they don't a single fuck about peoples' health or safety, and they blatantly ignore science. /3
But it's dangerous, plain and simple. There is no safe way to do it; there are no amount of precautions we could take. The only progressive group who's tried to send out canvassers stopped; their staff was testing positive after knocking doors. /4 mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-…
I have some suggestions for candidates/orgs, donors & volunteers who may be mad about, sad about, or second-guessing the decision not to canvass. First: Don't feel bad. Not canvassing is the correct ethical & moral choice right now. /5
Prioritizing the health & safety of voters, volunteers, and staff is absolutely the right decision. Don't waver on that. /6
For candidates/orgs: @runforsomething has a whole hub of info for you at resourcesforcampaigns.com - check it out. People are being creative & finding new ways to reach voters. Calls, texts, postcards, ads, Zoom 1:1s, WhatsApp/Slack/Facebook groups, lit drops, & more. /7
I know especially for Dems running in rural areas w/ bad internet, or in places with bad voter file data (b/c of bad infrastructure...), this is all even tougher. We're here to help you through it. Do not feel guilty or like putting others/yourself at risk is the only choice. /8
For donors: Take the money you've been sitting on & give half to a local candidate (or two, or ten.) Then give the other half to a grassroots org focused on communities of color and/or young people. The more local, the better, IMHO, but you do you. /9
It will go far: Local candidates & year-round sustained grassroots orgs are better able to reach voters through their existing networks because they're centered around community. /10
And: These candidates & orgs need every dollar now more than ever because they're having to spend $$ on ads, technology, and tools they might not have needed in the Before Times. Your donation - today, not next month, or in October - matters. /11
For volunteers: Pick up the phone. Most folks are home (or should be, unless an essential job requires them not to be!) & you'd be surprised how eager they are to talk. Many campaigns are doing wellness checks; others are doing simple “how to vote” calls. You can help. /12
Send texts. Write postcards. Go on social and share that video or article. Do whatever a campaign or organization asks you to do to the best of your abilities. /13
Yes, some studies show some tactics are more effective than others. But: no one has ever tested "how effective [insert tactic here] is during a global pandemic when few other options are on the table" -- in this enviro, more is more is more. /14
It's going to be weird. Campaigning looks different this year & we're all finding new ways to raise money, reach voters, and tell our stories. Don't be ashamed for doing so in a way that is safe & ethical. /end
Democrats are doing the right thing. The Trump campaign is (unsurprisingly) risking the health & safety of their voters and volunteers.
