Political Phone-Bank Scripts

General opening

“Hi, may I speak with [name]? My name is [caller], and I’m volunteering with [candidate or campaign]. We’re calling today about [short purpose].”

Use the identification and disclosure wording approved for the campaign and contact method. Do not hide who is calling or create the impression that the call comes from an election authority.

Voter-identification script

“The election is on [date]. Have you decided who you’re supporting?”

Record the answer as given. If the voter is undecided and willing to continue, ask one approved follow-up question. Do not pressure the person to state a preference.

Supporter follow-up script

“Thank you for supporting [candidate]. Do you know when you plan to vote, and is there any information or help you need?”

The next branch may cover advance voting, Election Day, a ride, a sign, or a volunteer ask. Use only the branch relevant to the campaign phase.

Volunteer recruitment script

“We’re organizing a [task] on [date] from [time] to [time]. Would you be able to join us?”

A specific shift is easier to answer than a general request. If the person cannot attend, ask about another defined option rather than reading every future event.

GOTV script

“I’m calling from [campaign] with a quick voting reminder. Have you already voted, or do you have a plan for when you’ll vote?”

Follow the approved rules for voter information and never claim to know how someone voted. Record already-voted, planned time, ride need, not voting, wrong number, and do-not-contact accurately.

Required exits and escalations

• Busy: thank the person and end the call.
• Wrong person or number: apologize, record the correction, and end.
• Do not contact: acknowledge the request and apply the campaign process.
• Question not covered: offer an accurate campaign callback; do not guess.
• Media or legal complaint: refer to the authorized campaign contact.
• Threat or abuse: end the call and notify the lead.

A practical example

A campaign had one long script for identification, donations, volunteering, signs, and events. Callers rushed through it and data quality was poor. The campaign replaces it with four short scripts and a simple branch for callbacks. Calls become shorter, and each result has a clear next action.

Working checklist

• Confirm the campaign’s calling rules, registration, disclosure, and record requirements.
• Write one script for each calling purpose.
• Use short branches for common responses.
• Train callers on wrong numbers, do-not-contact, language, and callback outcomes.
• Practise the script aloud.
• Record outcomes immediately and accurately.
• Review caller questions and revise unclear wording.

Common mistakes

• Combining every campaign ask into one call.
• Sounding like an election authority or hiding the campaign identity.
• Reading through a voter’s interruption rather than listening.
• Leaving wrong numbers active in the call universe.
• Giving unverified voting, policy, or legal information.

Sources and further reading

• CRTC — How to contact Canadians the right way during an election campaign
• CRTC — Voter Contact Registry
• National Democratic Institute — Voter Contact

Election law, privacy, calling rules, voting methods, and campaign-finance requirements vary by jurisdiction and can change. Verify current requirements with the applicable election authority before acting.