Free script
Phone banking script for campaigns
A phone banking script is what a volunteer says when calling voters for a campaign. This one is short, friendly, and ends with a vote 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.
Open the call
Hi, may I speak with [VOTER NAME]? Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I'm a volunteer calling for [CANDIDATE], who is running for [OFFICE].
Check the time
Do you have one minute?
Ask how they lean
If the election were today, would you vote for [CANDIDATE], for someone else, or are you not sure yet?
If they support
That's great. Early voting runs [DATES], and election day is [DATE]. When do you think you'll vote?
If they are not sure
What matters most to you this year? ... [CANDIDATE] is focused on [ONE ISSUE]. Can I send you a link with more?
If they oppose
Thanks for letting me know. Have a good evening.
Ask for help
We're calling voters a few nights a week. Would you like to join us for an hour?
Close
Thanks so much for your time. Have a good night.
Voicemail version
Hi, this is [YOUR NAME], a volunteer with [CANDIDATE] for [OFFICE]. Early voting starts [DATE], and election day is [DATE]. You can find your polling place at [LINK]. Thanks, and have a good day.
Tips that make it work
- Smile while you talk. People can hear it.
- Mark the result right after each call, before you dial the next one.
- If someone asks to be removed from the list, say yes and mark it right away.
- Take a five-minute break every hour. Callers who rest sound better.
- Call between 5pm and 8pm on weekdays, and late morning on weekends.
What to say when people push back
| They say | You say |
|---|---|
| "How did you get my number?" | Campaigns use the public voter list. I'm happy to take you off our list if you'd like. |
| "Is this a robocall?" | No, I'm a real person. I'm a volunteer calling from home. |
| "I already voted." | Thank you! I'll mark that so we don't call again. |
| "Call me later." | Of course. What time works better? |
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, freePhone banking script questions
What is phone banking?
Phone banking is when campaign volunteers call voters, usually in a group shift. It can be in one room or online, which is called a virtual phone bank.
How many calls can a volunteer make?
With a dialer, a volunteer can make 40 to 60 calls an hour and reach about one in eight. By hand, it is closer to 15 to 25 calls an hour.
Should I leave a voicemail?
Yes, if your list is people you want to vote. Keep it under 20 seconds and include the election date.
What should the first call be?
Use the support question first. Save long issue talks for the people who are not sure yet.