Canvassing Training

Volunteer Guide: Canvassing with RunningMate

Click here to print an abbreviated PDF Volunteer Guide

RunningMate runs in your phone's web browser — no app to download! You'll open your assigned walk packet, knock doors, and log every result as you go.

Step 1: Register

Accept your invite. Search your email for a message from no-reply@runningmate.io and click the "Complete Registration" button

Register your account. Select the terms of agreement and register your account with Google or by typing in your email and creating a password

Turn on location services for your browser so you can access RunningMate's canvassing map features (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)

Step 2: Log in

Using your phone's browser, visit app.runningmate.io and log in

Tip: Bookmark app.runningmate.io or add it to your home screen for easy access

Step 3: Open your packet

Open your packet

Click Canvassing in the blue navigation bar on the left-hand side of the page
Select a Program from your list of assigned canvassing programs

Select Preview Survey to practice your script before you start knocking doors. Click the "Got It" button at the bottom of the screen or the "X" symbol when you're done
Select a Packet from your list of assigned walk packets

Step 4: Start knocking doors

After selecting a packet, you will see a list of homes sorted by street address
Select the Route icon to plan your route starting at your current location, a specific address, or a household in the packet
Select your Route Mode (ie- walking, biking, or driving)
Select the "Plan route through XX stops" button at the bottom of the screen

Select the Map icon at the bottom of the screen to view your route on the map (or continue with list view and skip step 5-8)
Select the blue Start Route button to begin your route

Walk, bike, or drive to the address that is marked with the word "Start"
Select the house icon when you arrive at the address to display the resident's name and details

Select the resident's name to display the script and log your conversation (If you are on list view, select the address and then select the resident's name)
Click the red Household Unavailable button if no one is available and log the reason you were unable to speak with them.

Tips:

Select the street view icon beside the address to get a Google Maps street view

Zoom in if you don't see markers.

Step 5: Log Conversation

If the person answers the door: tap Start Conversation, follow the script, mark their answers, and tap Submit Survey. Nothing saves until you tap Submit.
If the person is unavailable: tap Voter Unavailable and select a reason:
- Not Home — the door stays open for another try
- Refused, Moved, Deceased, or Gated — the door is marked done