Sample Script

As every politician knows, one of the most effective ways to win
elections is to identify your supporters and then ensure your voters
get out to their voting station.

We too hope to reach out to all British Columbians, including those who
did not vote last time, to ensure that those who support electoral
fairness play a part in creating change.

If you wish to help us out, we encourage you to canvass in your area
and get to know your neighbours. It is always best to dress to impress,
but ensure at the same time you will be comfortable.

As you knock on doors, be sure to have a clipboard to take notes.
While canvassing, we hope that you'll gather some basic information
from the STV supporters you find. In each case that you talk to
someone who want to be added to the database you can fill out a row on
the supporter sign up sheet.

Mainly we are looking to get Lawn Signs out and recruit more help. We
cannot ask people do donate for the lawn signs, but we can ask for
donations in general (no tax receipts available).
-If they add their email they will get the news letter and other emails.
-If they add a phone number they will receive a one-time phone call asking for a donation.
-If they fill in an address we will be able to deliver a lawn sign and they may get a one-time donation request letter.
-If they offer to volunteer they will be contacted to join a team.
Take note of how they want to help: Canvassing, lawn sign delivery,
Literature Dropping, Mainstreeting, Letter writing/mailing, phoning.

You can also direct people to STV.ca to make a donation.

Once you have their info on paper, you can go to the main site and hit
"Get a Lawn Sign", then enter the person's data as if you were a new
user (just make sure to log out of your account first). This will add the person to the database and, automatically
email their lawn sign request and cue them for phoning, volunteering or
anything else that you tick off. You can enter data every night after
your canvass to keep it from piling up and to ensure they get connected quickly. If you are not able to enter
the data, please make sure you return the sheet to someone who will as
soon as possible!

If anyone is not comfortable giving you their info, encourage them to go to STV.ca to join themselves.

If you want to share ideas or expereinces, check out the Canvassing Forum.

Here is a sample script. Remember that the script isn't the
important part. Use your own words since the people you are talking
to won't believe your message if you don't speak from the heart. Tell
them about your experience and why you are supporting BC-STV. Answer
any questions they don't have and refer them to the website if you
don't know the answer, or offer to have someone call them if they are
not on line.

Canvass Script

Hello my name is ___ and I am one of your neighbours.

I am canvassing on behalf of BC-STV, and electoral fairness.

Have you heard about the referendum coming up on the May 12 election ballot?

--it is important to ask a question early on to engage the person.
they are more likely to listen if they also have a chance to speak.--

--If they answer No...give them a brochure to look at while you're talking (if you have some).--

Last election nearly a million British Columbians voted to support
the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform. They
wanted fairer elections, more choice, and effective local
representation.

--If they have heard about the referendum, determine if they are supporters--

--If yes ask them if its okay if we keep them updated on events and activities
we are doing and take their email, phone, and name. Then continue to
tell them about BC-STV if they are interested. You can also ask them to volunteer, host a lawn sign or donate to the cause.

--Se end for non-supporter--

Did you vote in the last provincial election?

--If they answer No... offer to help them get registered and
remind them when to vote, then continue telling them about BC-STV if
they are interested.--

--If they say they did not vote in support of STV...ask them if there was any main reason why.

Provide what information you have, including brochures and referral
to the STV.ca website. If you don't feel comfortable answering certain
questions, ask them if there is a time when someone else could call
them back with more details.

If they are hostile or seem to like the current first past the post
system, do not try arguing with them. Ask them if they would like more
information about STV and thank them for their time. Always close your
interaction with a polite smile!

The objective of canvassing is to reach a large group of people.
There is no point in spending you time arguing with a single person.
Answer their questions as best as you can and close the meeting if they
are hostile or not listening.