Free script
Get out the vote (GOTV) script
Get out the vote, or GOTV, is the last push to make sure your supporters actually vote. These scripts help each supporter make a simple plan.
Free. No sign-up. Change the parts in [BRACKETS].
The script
Change the parts in [BRACKETS] for your race. Read it once, then talk like a neighbor.
Introduce yourself
Hi, is [VOTER NAME] home? I'm [YOUR NAME], a volunteer with [CANDIDATE]. We're reminding neighbors that the election is [DATE].
Check if they voted
Have you had a chance to vote yet?
If they already voted
Thank you! I'll mark that so we don't bother you again.
Ask when
When are you planning to vote? Will it be early voting or on election day?
Ask where
Do you know where your polling place is? It's [PLACE], at [ADDRESS].
Ask how
How will you get there? Will you go before work, at lunch, or after work?
Offer help
If you need a ride, call [PHONE]. We'll get you there.
Close
So you'll vote at [PLACE] on [DAY] around [TIME]. Thank you so much!
Text message version
Hi [VOTER NAME], it's [YOUR NAME] with [CANDIDATE]. Election day is [DATE]! Your polling place is [PLACE], open [HOURS]. Do you have a plan to vote? Reply STOP to opt out.
Tips that make it work
- Only talk to supporters now. Persuasion is over in the last week.
- Asking when, where, and how makes people more likely to vote than a plain reminder.
- Check off voters who already voted every morning so nobody is contacted twice.
- Keep rides and childcare offers real. Only offer what you can deliver.
- Start at 6am on election day with the shift that needs the most people.
What to say when people push back
| They say | You say |
|---|---|
| "I don't know where to vote." | Your polling place is [PLACE]. I can text you the address. |
| "I'm not sure I'm registered." | You can check at [STATE LOOKUP LINK]. It takes one minute. |
| "I can't get there." | We can help. Call [PHONE] to set up a ride. |
| "I'll try to make it." | What time works best? It helps to pick one. |
How many volunteers will you need?
Enter your sites and dates. You get your number in seconds and a shift plan to download. No sign-up.
Check how many volunteers you need, freeGet out the vote script questions
What does GOTV mean?
GOTV stands for get out the vote. It is the final phase of a campaign, focused on making sure supporters actually vote.
When does GOTV start?
Most campaigns start GOTV when early voting opens, or about four days before election day if there is no early voting.
Who should GOTV target?
People who said they support you, and people likely to support you who sometimes skip elections.
What works best in GOTV?
A real conversation that ends in a plan: when, where, and how the person will vote.