Going to people where they are is a very personal way of spreading information about elections. For many people, this is the only time that politics becomes part of their immediate environment and they are faced with political dynamics in such a tangible manner.
Statutory organisations and political parties are both involved in some form of "go to the voter" drive in an effort to provide information, encourage voter registration or check the accuracy of voters' lists, answer questions and, in the case of political parties, persuade citizens to vote in a certain way.
This kind of door-to-door activity serves to sensitize members of the public to their right to vote or how they can register. Alternatively, it can be used to disseminate information on the different decisions at issue in an election or plebiscite (referendum). [1]
Door-to-door canvassers are able to ask basic questions about people's readiness for an upcoming election. Importantly, they may also be able to take complaints and concerns to the responsible authorities.
This type of activity calls for proper planning so that volunteers know how to react correctly in the different situations that may arise. This is best done by making door-to-door programmes part of a time-defined campaign in which there is a preparatory phase including the following:
- training of volunteers
- establishment of a record-keeping system
- establishment of a visitation strategy
Following the preparatory stage, volunteers may conduct a sustained programme where they meet regularly with the organizers, debrief, and receive any additional training and materials.
Such a programme works better when it is condensed into a short period of time and when volunteers are not left on their own to cover a number of homes. Immediate changes can be made, information can be recorded, and any adjustments in the programme made on a daily basis.
It is important that there is a differentiation between door-to-door programmes designed merely to obtain information, such as surveys and census, and those that form part of an education programme. Volunteers are expected to interact with those they visit and need to be prepared to do this.
Privacy and Security
There are many societies where home visiting is not possible. The residences may be too spread out or too secure. Or visitors may not be willing to walk streets. Or residents may be suspicious of and unwilling to talk to persons they do not know.
Certainly, any campaign should be well publicized and visitors should be able to identify themselves before entering a residence, either by an identity card or special clothing.
Notes:
[1] Monica Jiminez de Barros, Citizen Education: Its Importance in Latin America and Central Europe (n.p.: Participa), 40. An unpublished and undated paper.
