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The Joy Of Canvassing Part II: The MiniVAN app! [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-09-11

If you like Pokemon Go, then you should try MiniVAN. It’s kind of the same thing, but instead of chasing down Pokemon and taking control of gyms, you are visiting voters in person and shaping the course of history.



MiniVAN is a canvassing app that uses GPS to help you find voters’ addresses. I have worked on campaigns that did use the app and campaigns that did not. I definitely prefer to canvass with the app, because otherwise I have no idea where to go. Yes, I have knocked on random doors for campaigns and it suuuuucks.



To start, you need an Action ID login, which you can create through the app. You also need a list number and campaign literature, which you would get from the candidate’s campaign or you friendly local Democratic Party HQ.

Once you are logged in, you should see a map that’s zoomed into your turf and a list of voters. The humble blue dot on the map represents your current position. Take the time to read the script before you knock on any doors. You’ll be prompted to ask questions and you can enter the voter’s responses. Look at the name of the voter before you knock, too.

Now PAY ATTENTION because this next part what has frustrated even experienced canvassers. Many, many people have an understandable urge to complete a list in order. However, I STRONGLY recommend using the map view so that you can figure out the most efficient route for yourself. The app organizes the list of addresses alphabetically by street. But I canvass in Fort Wayne, and the streets are NOT organized alphabetically. And there are many, many housing additions and subdivisions where the streets are all curvy because that appeals to people who aren’t me.

Here is what I have experienced canvassing for Democrats in Fort Wayne, a fairly liberal city in red state Indiana. I part my car near the first home on my list. After I make contact or leave literature, when I click on “Next HH”, it gives me a house that is several blocks away. But if I take a moment to look on the map view, I might find a house that is just around the corner. People canvassing in New York City or Chicago might have a different experience with “Next HH” than me, but I don’t like that button.



I’ve seen three volunteers working together complete a list in 2 hours. Working by myself, I might need 5 to 6 hours spread out over a couple days to finish a list.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/9/11/2192771/-The-Joy-Of-Canvassing-Part-II-The-MiniVAN-app

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