Canvass smarter by enhancing voter files with demographic data and interactive maps. It's fast, simple and affordable.
Business marketers use demographic data and visual analysis apps to decide where to focus and get the best return on their marketing dollars. The technology and data they use is proven and cost-effective as thousands of businesses use it. Savvy organizers and campaigns use the same tools. This blog describes how OPAL, an Ohio based Indivisible grassroots group plans its canvassing using voter files, demographic data and mapping software to find:
- Concentrations of high priority voters for 2020 success
- Demographic data (income, race, age, disability etc.)
- Political and voting insights by precinct (political party, voting turnout, etc.)
- Local issues of concern (health insurance, employment, childcare, pollution etc.)
Precinct data overlaid with demographic data
How to overlay data
Combine data from different sources into a consolidated view with something that the different pieces of information have in common, such as PRECINCT in this case. In geek speak this is called a 'JOIN'. Records from the VOTER FILE can be mapped using PRECINCT and then overlaid with demographic data (such as age, race, disability etc.) for people who live in that precinct.
JOINS can merge data about anything from district, county or legislative district. Combine different pieces of information about a voter based on their address. Combine these different insights into a map as different layers. This map for instance, combines three layers of information about a precinct:
- Biden voters in 2020
- Health insurance coverage by age and race
- Disability by gender and age
This allows OPAL planners to easily see at glance which precincts to focus on. The precincts are color coded so the precincts with more potential voters are shown in a darker color. Which precincts might be better covered by phone canvassing? The composition of who most likely lives in a precinct and their likely concerns. This helps choose canvassing volunteers who reflect that community.
Precinct data overlaid with external demographic data
OPAL used ArcGIS Online for this project. The app provides a large catalog of map layers including the PRECINCT boundaries. Notice how additional details show up on the map as you zoom in.
Focus your canvassing with better data
ArcGIS Online includes demographic data from the American Community Survey (ACS) at no extra charge. This information such as age, race, gender, insurance coverage etc. helps with campaign planning.
The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing survey that provides vital information on a yearly basis about our nation and its people. Information from the survey generates data that help determine how more than $675 billion in federal and state funds are distributed each year. It provides information on jobs and occupations, educational attainment, veterans, whether people own or rent their homes, and other topics. Public officials, planners, and entrepreneurs use this information to assess the past and plan the future. ACS data helps communities plan for hospitals and schools, support school lunch programs, improve emergency services, build bridges, and help businesses.
Use ACS data on its own or overlaid on the voter file with ArcGIS Online. Results from canvassing can be exported and then uploaded to the Voter Activation Network (VAN) like NGP VAN or PDI. Apply for free help with this here.
Ohio Progressive Action Leaders (OPAL)
OPAL is a coalition of leaders representing grassroots groups from across Ohio. OPAL facilitates the acquisition, curation and sharing of resources and ideas, and develops state-wide actions and voter engagement campaigns. Join OPAL here or contact them here.
"The map showing us hot spots of prospective voters helps us identify priority precincts for outreach, but also tailor outreach to those precincts based on availability of volunteers and their interest in various forms of voter engagement. So if a precinct is near an available canvassing team, those voters can be reached in person. But we can match phone and text bankers with voter clumps not near any canvassing teams."
More resources
- Plan campaigns for redistricted seats better with data rich maps
- Canvas better with smarter software
- Wanted: Unregistered Voters
- A better way to find and canvas unregistered voters
- How the Florida Key Dems located eight thousand unregistered voters
- Grassroots canvassing made free and simple
- How to design smart route plans for canvassing, campaigns and non-profits