Strategy 1: Master the Pull List
The pull list is the backbone of any GOTV operation. It's a rolling list of identified supporters who haven't yet voted, updated in real time as scrutineers report from the polls.
- How to execute:
- Start with your full list of identified supporters (support level 1 and 2)
- Station scrutineers at every poll to track who has voted
- Update your pull list every 30–60 minutes
- Direct your volunteer teams to contact only those who haven't voted
Strategy 2: Layer Your Contact Methods
Don't rely on a single contact method. The most effective GOTV operations layer multiple touches:
- Morning (8–10 AM): Phone calls to supporters reminding them to vote
- Midday (11 AM–1 PM): Door knocks on identified supporters who haven't voted
- Afternoon (2–4 PM): Text messages to remaining supporters
- Evening (5–7 PM): Final phone blitz and targeted door knocks
Strategy 3: Organize Your Volunteer Shifts
Election day is a marathon, not a sprint. Polls are open for 12 hours, and you need fresh volunteers throughout the day.
- Shift 1 (6 AM–12 PM): Poll setup, morning scrutineers, first contact wave
- Shift 2 (12 PM–5 PM): Midday scrutineers, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking
- Shift 3 (5 PM–close): Final push, rides to polls, poll closing observers
Strategy 4: Provide Rides to the Polls
Every election, thousands of potential supporters don't vote because they can't get to their polling station. A well-organized rides program can make the difference.
- Identify supporters who need transportation during your voter ID calls
- Recruit volunteer drivers and map out efficient routes
- Have a dispatch system to coordinate pickup requests in real time
Strategy 5: Command Centre Coordination
Your campaign headquarters on election day should function like a command centre:
- Real-time dashboard showing voter turnout by poll
- Communication hub connecting scrutineers, canvassers, and phone bankers
- Decision-making team that can redirect resources to low-turnout polls
- Issue tracking for poll-level problems (long lines, challenges, etc.)
RidingDesk's Election Day module was built specifically for this — with real-time poll tracking, automated pull list generation, and a centralized command view.