What should I expect when precinct walking in my neighborhood?

[in_cog_ni_to]

I just received an email from the Tari Renner campaign. He's running against Jerry Weller in Illinois for Representative and I had volunteered to help the campaign. We need to pick up as many Democratic seats in the House as we can! Weller has been my Rep. for as long as I can remember. 5 terms, maybe?

They want to do a precinct walk next Wednesday and Thursday evening. I told them..."I'm there!" The guy said my village has more democratic votes up for grabs than any
precinct in the county! Gotta go get 'em!

I've never done this before. What should I expect? What will I be doing? I'm nervous! :scared:

[Shoeempress]

1. What is a precinct walk?

[in_cog_ni_to]

2. I guess it's like canvasing the neighborhood?

I was hoping someone could tell me what to expect? I've never done this before.

precinct walk/canvasing neighborhood? :shrug:

[Exgeneral]

3. hopefully you'll get a voter list

and know the (d) homes from the (r) ones.
Then expect to talk a lot about things note related directly to your candidate, like the damage and issues a second Bush term would bring.

The trick is to steer the conversation back to your candidate and reiterate the party tciket.

[Shoeempress]

4. We went canvassing in NH, GOP stronghold, and had a blast.

We were both VERY hesitant about it, but had a great time. We ignored our instructions and went right to the Question, who would vote for, blah, blah,blah, If they said Bush, We were polite and left. Others we had a great time talking to, swayed some to consider Kerry, got volunteers, and really had a good time. Be very up beat and you'll really have a great time.

[dogman]

5. You'll meet your neighbors.

I walked my precinct to get Clark petitions signed in Illinois. I also walked to become precinct committeeman. It's just a matter of doing it. Once you start, don't stop. Don't argue, just try to persaude. You might find it easier since there seems to be more interest in change than other years. Just relax and enjoy the experience.

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. Thank You for your replies!

I'll try to have fun and stay relaxed. I'm looking forward to it...just a tad nervous. Thanks everyone! :hi:

[alfredo]

7. You will get a script, and a list with the party of the

resident. You will also see how often the vote.

It is quite easy. People are usually very nice, even the repubs.

Take water with you.

Relax and enjoy yourself.

[marlakay]

8. You'll do fine!

I was scared on my first two houses. Went door to door with the sierra club in reno talking about Yucca Mountain. Both R & D houses. I was afraid doors would be slamned but not one did. Most people just don't answer if they don't want to. Just be polite. One of the girls that went with me used to do field work so I watched her. She would tell the repubs if they got going that she was glad to see such passion and isn't it great we have a free country.

I was told to try and get personal if you can with each person, so if I saw a lady weeding I would talk gardening for a few min then talk politics, it opens people up.

The Kerry people are fun to talk to and get excited that you are there. I met an old in 80's black man who said he was a vet and went on and on about how bad bush is. You will love stuff like that. The main thing is to not let the repubs suck you into a loose/loose conversation.