Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: We evaluate methods to increase turnout generally and Hispanic turnout specifically. Get-out-the-vote messages, with nonpartisan or Hispanic group solidarity themes, will be delivered to registered voters prior to the upcoming election.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Many authors have shown that canvassing is effective at increasing voter turnout, but without saying why. Based on over two years experience working on canvasses, I assess why grassroots mobilization works and what it means for democratic practice.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Census and contractor data highlight problems field staff (listers) experienced using handheld computers (HHCs) during the address canvassing dress rehearsal operation in 2007. Help desk logs, revealed that listers most frequently reported issues with transmission, the device freezing, mapspotting (collecting mapping coordinates), and difficulties working with large blocks. When problems were identified, the contractor downloaded corrected software to the HHCs, The Bureau acknowledged that issues with the use of technology affected field staff productivity. The Bureau recognized that technology issues affected operations, but did not fully assess the magnitude of key measures of HHC performance. Technology issues and the Bureau’s efforts to redesign FDCA have significant implications for address canvassing. Among these are ensuring that FDCA solutions for technical issues identified in the dress rehearsal are tested, the help desk adequately supports field staff. In June 2008, the Bureau developed a testing plan that includes a limited operational field test, but the plan does not specify the basis for determining readiness of the FDCA solution for address canvassing and when and how this determination will occur.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: A wide variety of organizations attempt to influence the outcome of elections through canvassing, including candidate organizations, political parties, 527s, and interest groups. The experimental literature on voter participation confirms the intuition that face-to-face canvassing is the optimal mode of inducing voter turnout. However, that literature has done little to advance a theoretical understanding of why canvassing works, except to say that a personal approach is best. This paper seeks to contribute to the development of a theoretical understanding of how mobilization works. Do people respond differently to different types of canvassers (who vary on dimensions such as race, gender, being knowledgeable about the election, friendliness), or is personal contact the most important dimension? In this paper, I will present findings from a series of focus groups conducted around the United States in the summer of 2006 that will serve as the basis for future experimental work. In these groups voters will openly discuss their experiences with canvassing and will also react to a video simulation that will measure their implicit reactions to different types of canvassers.