Canvassing scripts should be short, conversational, and tied to what you know about the person at the door. The examples below cover three scenarios keyed to turnout and issue tiers, a pilot test protocol for testing scripts before a full launch, and a nightly sync check template for debriefing canvassers at the end of each shift.
All scripts should be loaded into Organizer before your canvassing campaign launches. Volunteers should practice each script in pairs at least twice before going out. Scripts are guides, not word-for-word requirements. Teach your canvassers to listen and adapt.
Scripts Keyed to Turnout and Issue Tiers
Use Murmuration's turnout and issue scores to segment your canvassing universe before assigning turfs. Match the script to the tier to make conversations more relevant and efficient.
| Tier | Who they are and how to approach them |
|---|---|
| High Turnout / High Issue Score | Consistent voters who already align with your issue. Goal: Convert to active supporters or volunteers. Keep conversation brief and move to the ask quickly. |
| High Turnout / Low Issue Score | Consistent voters not yet engaged on your issue. Goal: Persuade. Spend more time on story and evidence. Do not make a hard ask on first contact. |
| Low Turnout / High Issue Score | Supporters who do not vote reliably. Goal: Mobilize. Lead with their issue connection, then move to a voting or event attendance ask. |
| Low Turnout / Low Issue Score | Prioritize other tiers unless capacity allows. If contacted, keep it short and focus on a voter registration or basic awareness ask. |
Tier 1 Script: High Turnout / High Issue Score
Goal: Commitment to take an advocacy action such as signing a petition, attending a meeting, or making a call.
Canvasser: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a volunteer with [ORGANIZATION]. Is [VOTER NAME] home?
If they answer:
Canvasser: Great, I'm glad I caught you. We're out in the neighborhood talking to folks who care about [ISSUE], and based on where you've been in the past, we thought you might want to be part of what we're working on. We're asking people to [SPECIFIC ACTION: sign a petition / come to a meeting on DATE / call your representative this week]. Would you be willing to do that?
If yes:
Canvasser: Excellent. Let me get your contact information so we can follow up and make sure you have everything you need. [Collect name, phone, email. Mark as Committed in Organizer.]
If uncertain:
Canvasser: No pressure at all. Can I leave you some information? And is there a better way to follow up with you, by phone or email?
Close:
Canvasser: Thanks so much for your time. We're counting on folks like you. Have a great evening.
Tier 2 Script: High Turnout / Low Issue Score
Goal: Persuade and plant a seed. Do not push for a hard commitment on first contact.
Canvasser: Hi, I'm [NAME], a volunteer with [ORGANIZATION]. Do you have a couple of minutes?
Opener:
Canvasser: We're talking to neighbors about [ISSUE]. A lot of people in this area don't know that [KEY FACT OR LOCAL IMPACT POINT]. It's something that directly affects families here. Can I ask you, is [ISSUE] something you've thought about or have any feelings on?
Listen and respond. Acknowledge what they say without interrupting.
Canvasser: That makes sense. A lot of people feel that way. What I can tell you is that [SHORT EVIDENCE POINT OR STORY].
Close:
Canvasser: I'm not going to ask you to do anything tonight. But I'd love to leave you with some information and check back in with you. Would that be okay? [If yes, collect contact info and mark as Soft Contact in Organizer. If no, thank them and leave a flyer.]
Tier 3 Script: Low Turnout / High Issue Score
Goal: Mobilize to vote or attend an event. Connect their values to a concrete action step.
Canvasser: Hi, I'm [NAME] with [ORGANIZATION]. I'm here because we're working on [ISSUE] and we know a lot of folks in this neighborhood care deeply about it.
Connect to issue:
Canvasser: We've been talking to parents and community members who want to see [CHANGE]. The thing is, we need people to show up. [OFFICIAL / BOARD] is only going to act if they hear from us. We have [EVENT / ACTION] coming up on [DATE]. Would you be able to make it?
If yes:
Canvasser: That's great. Can I get your number so we can send you a reminder?
If unsure:
Canvasser: I totally understand. Even if you can't make it, would you be willing to [ALTERNATIVE ACTION: sign this form / call your representative / share this on social media]?
Close:
Canvasser: We really appreciate you. Your voice matters here. Thanks for your time.
Resources
View the Organizing and Advocacy Playbook as a PDF
Background Information
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Learning
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Planning
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Implementation
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Execution
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Reflection