You can run the perfect persuasion campaign, but if your supporters don't show up to vote, it's all for nothing. Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) is where campaigns are won or lost.
The GOTV Window
The final days before an election require a different approach than the rest of your campaign:
- Final 10 days: Begin early vote push for identified supporters
- Final 5 days: Intensive contact with all supporters
- Final 3 days: Multiple touches per supporter
- Election Day: Real-time turnout tracking and chasing
Proven GOTV Techniques
1. Make a Plan to Vote
Research shows that voters who make a concrete plan are more likely to follow through. Ask supporters:
- What time will you vote?
- How will you get there?
- What will you do right before going to the polls?
2. Social Pressure (Done Right)
People are more likely to vote when they know others are watching. Use phrases like:
- "We're tracking who votes in your neighborhood"
- "Your neighbors are planning to vote - are you?"
- "Join the thousands who've already voted"
3. Commit Cards and Pledges
Getting a written or verbal commitment increases follow-through significantly. Have voters:
- Sign a pledge card during canvassing
- Reply "YES" to a text message asking if they'll vote
- Post on social media about their voting plan
4. Transportation and Logistics
Remove every barrier to voting:
- Offer rides to the polls
- Provide information about poll locations and hours
- Share early voting options and deadlines
P2P Texting for GOTV
Text messaging is uniquely powerful for GOTV because:
- Speed: Reach thousands of voters in hours
- Response tracking: Know who's committed
- Real-time: Adjust messaging based on turnout data
- Personal: One-on-one reminders feel meaningful
Election Day Operations
A solid Election Day plan includes:
- Poll watching: Know your turnout in real-time
- Knock and drag: Visit non-voters at their homes
- Phone and text chasing: Contact non-voters throughout the day
- Problem solving: Address issues at polling locations
The Numbers Game
GOTV success is measured in raw numbers:
If you identify 5,000 supporters and achieve an 80% turnout rate, that's 4,000 votes. If your opponent only achieves 70% turnout, you've gained a significant advantage.
Every percentage point of increased turnout among your supporters can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Start Planning Now
Don't wait until the final weeks to develop your GOTV strategy. Contact Point Blank Political today to build a winning turnout operation.