What is a Canvass?

A canvass is the formal term for what we do when we go door to door and identify likely Republican voters. Door to door is the most effective way to get this information. It's not only more accurate, but it influences people in favor of our candidate when they see a friendly volunteer sacrificing his/her Saturday.

Canvassing is, bar none, the most important part of any political campaign. Whether you are running for School President or U.S. President.

All identified supporters are logged and over the final 72 hours before election day we will undertake a massive effort to get out the vote.

It is wisdom as old as the GOP itself:

"Make a list of the voters, ascertain for whom they will vote, have undecided voters talked to by someone they hold in confidence, and, on Election Day, get all Whig voters to the polls."
            ---Abraham Lincoln, letter to the Sangamon County, Ill. Whig Campaign Committee
Substitute Whig with Republican and it is the same winning formula.

But what is canvassing exactly?

Well you knock on someone's door- you tell them you are a volunteer for the <blank> campaign, you give them some information on our candidate, if they want to talk, you ask them if they've considered the election and whether they are planning on voting for our candidate, his/her opponent, or if they are undecided. You record that information and you move on to the next house. Easy enough?

What are the advantages of doing this?

Besides being the single best way to influence the outcome of an election? You can't win local office in Northern Virginia without an aggressive door-to-door effort. There is no way to hone your skills in retail politics and test yourself than by canvassing for other candidates.

What if someone has never canvassed before?

Then the YRs are the perfect place to start. We'll pair you up with an expert and you'll be comfortable in no time.

Going canvassing with the PWYRs is not only a great way to contribute, and a great way to train for your own run for office someday, it is also a lot of fun. We hope you'll join us.