What you're asking, and when
You don't need a script — you just need their attention.
- Now. Reach out. Tell them what's at stake where they live. If their state has competitive district-level races, ask them to check whether they're in one (the card provides a link for that).
- By Friday, September 25. Are they registered at their current address? (People sometimes forget to update their registration when they move.)
- By Sunday, October 25. Have they voted yet? If not, do they have a plan?
- Monday, November 2. Have they voted yet? If not, do they have a plan for tomorrow?
That's the whole thing. Put those three dates in your phone right now — then you only have to think about the person, not the timing.
Want to reach higher?
Walk your person through whatever they're stuck on. And coach them to take these steps with the people they know — that's how one conversation turns into ten votes.
Doing it well
You know your people and relationships best, so take this advice with a grain of salt. That said, here are some tips:
- Don't be alarmist. Be empowering. Your friend knows we're up a creek. Emphasize that they've got a paddle.
- Lead with the person, not the politics. “I was thinking about you” beats “I was thinking about the elections.” Whatever you lead with, make sure your message doesn't sound like it could have been sent to just anyone.
- Be specific to their ballot. “In the last election, a House race in your area came down to 180 votes” is useful information. Donald Trump's latest poll numbers aren't.
- Ask something they can answer. “Will you check whether you're in that district?” gets a reply. “You should vote” probably doesn't.
- Don't look up their district for them. At least not at first. Send them the link on their state's card and let them check. It takes ten seconds, and it gets them doing something instead of being told something.
- Following up isn't nagging. People forget. And having specific dates in your calendar gets rid of the worry about when it's best to check in.
- Strike while the iron is hot. If they answer fast and seem game, keep going. Don't wait for the next date on the list.