Volunteering as a Canvasser

Canvassing
is a critical part of our campaign. All the STV literature in the world
won't make a difference if we don't get people out to vote.

If given accurate information, people are 50% more likely to vote for BC-STV.

If contacted in the days preceding the referendum, people are 50%
more likely to turn out to vote than those who aren't contacted at all.

In the 2005 referendum, on average, BC-STV was only about 500 votes
short of being approved in each riding. Five hundred more votes in each
riding is a very achievable goal!

In short, we can potentially double support for BC-STV by canvassing, and YOU can make all the difference!

Getting Started

If you are not signed up as a volunteer, please sign up now so we have your info.

There are three kinds of Canvassing:

1. Door Canvassing

Before you go out, have a look at the BC elections site and know the basics about our system and how voters can register.

For the date and location of
the next door canvassing orientation meeting in your area, please check
the Discussion Forums. You can also visit to forums to share ideas and learn from other canvassers.

Check out the Canvassing Tips and the Sample Script. Then Download the forms and graphics that will help you present to the people you visit.

If you don't have a route assigned, contact your local Canvassing Coordinator, or the Central Canvassing Coordinator, David Gagnon. Please don't canvass without a route since we don't want to have you accidentally canvass an area that has already been done.

2. Literature Dropping

Lit Drops will be coordinated by the Canvassing Coordinators. If
you don't have a route assigned, contact your local Canvassing
Coordinator, or the Central Canvassing Coordinator, David Gagnon.
Please don't Lit Drop without a route since we don't want to have you
accidentally canvass an area that has already been done.

3. Main Streeting or Pamphletting

If you are interested in Main Streeting in Vancouver please contact Grant Fraser, the Coordinator. If you want to Main Street outside of Vancouver, please contact your Regional Coordinator.

Whichever way you choose to canvass you are welcome to go in pairs, or by yourself. You can go
door-to-door in your neighbourhood, or other areas of your city that
might be a higher priority. Weekday evenings (before dark) and
Saturdays tend to be best.

Canvassing Kit - Materials Needed

Whenever possible, make sure you have a button or a name badge
identifying yourself, and always tell people your name in your intro to
help develop a relationship of trust.

Whether you are Mainstreeting or Door Canvassing, make sure you
have all the materials you need. Always carry a clipboard and a
Supporter Sign Up Sheet. If possible, have a stack of Club Cards (3x4
quick info cards) and pamphlets with you. Having multi-lingual
information or sample ballots can also be useful.
It is recommended that you carry at least 20 "Power Up Your Vote"
pamphlets for every hour you plan on going door-to-door. Have about
300 Club Cards with you for every hour you plan to be Main Streeting.

You can also choose to carry other materials that you want to use to explain BC-STV. We suggest the materials on the Download Page.

Pamphlets can be picked up from your Region Coordinator, or from the
central office if you are in Vancouver at #305 - 1770 W. 7th Ave. The
office is open 9a-5p M-F and is often open till 7pm and on weekends.

The Office also has prints of the materials on the Downloads Page.