Michigan Comes Into Focus: Trump is Losing His Foothold and Harris Support is Exploding

Hope Springs from Field PAC: Michigan’s Volunteer Surge

Something exciting is happening here. And what it is is exactly clear. Hope Springs from Field PAC volunteers flooded the zone last Saturday, especially in the 7 Toss-Up Electoral College Battleground states. Four states saw turnout of over 1,700 volunteers, including Michigan, which was second on Saturday in our highest volunteer turnout state.

Why Michigan Matters

Michigan is a Blue Wall state, making it one of the belles of the ball. It has an open Senate seat and three Swing congressional seats (one of which is an open seat). Disaffected voters make predictions risky, so it’s good that volunteers here are up for the challenge.

Volunteer Dynamics in Michigan

Michigan has been a state of fits and starts, not just weather-related. Our volunteer base in Michigan, not even 2 years old, has been sensitive to outside events. Interestingly, Michigan didn’t see a significant increase in volunteer participation the weekend before the convention, but we made up for it afterward.

Diversity and Demographics

Our Michigan volunteers are the least diverse, likely due to the swing districts where we are knocking. However, even among this group, volunteers are excited by the Harris nomination. Moreover, our volunteer base here is mostly female, with 63.2% being women who are proud to support the Vice President’s campaign.

Broadening the Democratic Base

Democratic efforts in Michigan have focused on broadening the Democratic base. One reason is the fear that Gaza-driven voters may sit this one out. Although there hasn’t been real indications this could happen, it remains a concern.

Weather and GOTV Efforts

Weather continues to be to our advantage in Michigan. Despite extreme heat warnings, we’ve been lucky. Ohio served as a great test run for our Michigan volunteers who went down last year. One volunteer mentioned that GOTV (get-out-the-vote) efforts offer many opportunities to learn and be involved, making you more valuable to campaigns.

Volunteer Activities and Achievements

On Saturday, 1,768 volunteers canvassed in swingy grey (and pink) districts (MI-3, MI-4, MI-7, MI-8 & MI-10). Hope Springs volunteers knocked on 132,069 doors and talked to 11,569 voters. 7,404 of those voters answered questions to at least part of the Issues Survey.

Top Concerns

The Economy was the most frequent response to our question about voter’s top concern on Saturday in Michigan. Concern over Political Violence was the #2 issue voters raised. A group of issues we categorize as Summer Worries was the third issue we heard at the doors, including school openings, weather fluctuations, and health concerns.

Building a Favorable Foundation

Hope Springs from Field PAC began knocking on doors again on March 2nd to set up a favorable “battle space” for Democrats in 2024. We target Democrats and unaffiliated voters with a systematic approach that reminds them that Democrats care and are determined to deliver the best government possible to all Americans.

Grassroots Support

We rely on grassroots support, so if you support field/grassroots organizing, voter registration, and our efforts to protect our voters, we would certainly appreciate your support:

Importance of Personal Interactions

Hope Springs from Field understands that volunteer-to-voter personal interactions are critical. Knocking on doors has repeatedly been found to be the most successful tactic to get voters to cast a ballot, and that is the goal of what we do.

Approval Ratings

Vice President Harris’ Approval among the Michiganders we talked to was at 63% last Saturday. 5% expressed some measure of Disapproval. 60% of the voters said they Approved of the job Elissa Slotkin was doing; 7% thought otherwise. 62% of the voters who responded Approved of the job Gov. Whitmer was doing while 5% expressed Disapproval.

Voter Registration and Constituent Services

Volunteers registered 27 new voters and re-registered 77 voters in compliance with Federal (HAVA) law. We differentiate between new voters and existing voters because the former can often be forgotten during GOTV, and first-time voters need special care!

Constituent Service Requests

474 voters filled out Constituent Service Request forms. We send completed CSRs to Democratic elected officials responsible for the requested functions. For Democrats, we encourage them to reach out immediately to the voter who filled out the form and let them know they are working on the issue. This credit-taking is enormously valuable to the Democratic office-holder.

Incident Reports

3 voters in Michigan completed an Incident Report. These reports are used to plan Election Protection activities and will be combined with other historical incidents. They are handed over to District and State Attorneys, Attorney Generals, and the DoJ Civil Rights Division right before Election Day as a precaution against Election Day Incidents.

Canvassing Focus

We knock on the doors of Democratic and Independent voters. At every door, we leave a piece of “show the flag” literature, something that tells them we were there and hopefully reinforces the Democratic brand. The main focus of our canvassing is the Issues Survey, asking voters for their input and concerns.

Data Collection

Voter responses to the questionnaire are entered into VAN and made available to all Democratic candidates who use VAN in the state after the primary. Creating this kind of data engages voters and creates a dataset that any Democratic candidate can use in opposition to a Republican.

Targeted States and Future Plans

Hope Springs has targeted states with competitive Senate races and/or the Electoral College in 2024, as well as Congressional Districts that are remapped in ways that offer opportunities or vulnerabilities for Democrats next year. There is a lot of work to be done, especially since we have had to expand the map this year.

Early Start and Compliance

By starting early and aiming towards super-compliance with some really onerous new voter regulations, Hope Springs from Field seeks to undermine that strategy while informing voters about the new laws and regulations aimed at them.

Post Cards to New Voters

We are adding the Post Cards to New Voters component back into our Voter Outreach. Our biggest expense had been the Voter File, but now printing literature is becoming our largest cost. We are switching out our old literature for Kamala Harris-based walk literature. Printing and mailing our Post Cards to New Voters is our third cost, and paying the fees for ActBlue is the smallest of our monthly costs.

Support Our Efforts

Hope Springs is a grassroots-driven operation. We don’t have employees, but we realize that to formalize and professionalize this effort, that will have to change.

Costs and Volunteer Turnout

Identifying Single Issue Voters and Constitutional Amendment supporters and doing GOTV costs us more money than our regular canvassing because this issue drives volunteer turnout higher. So please:

If you are able to support our efforts to protect Democratic voters, especially in minority communities, expand the electorate, and believe in grassroots efforts to increase voter participation and election protection, please help:

If you would rather send a check, you can follow that link for our mailing address at the bottom of the page. Thank you for your support. This work depends upon you!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Michigan Canvass

This article discusses the recent canvassing efforts in Michigan, a crucial swing state in the upcoming elections. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers related to this topic.

What is the significance of Michigan in the upcoming elections?

Michigan is a key swing state due to its electoral votes and historical voting patterns. The state has often been a battleground in presidential elections, with both major parties frequently campaigning there. The outcome in Michigan can significantly influence the overall electoral map.

What is canvassing in the context of elections?

Canvassing refers to the process of door-to-door outreach by political campaigns, volunteers, or organizations to engage with voters. This involves discussing issues, distributing campaign materials, and gathering information about voter preferences and concerns.

Who is conducting the canvassing in Michigan?

The canvassing efforts in Michigan are being conducted by various groups, including political campaigns, grassroots organizations, and community activists. These efforts are often coordinated with local party chapters and may involve volunteers from both parties.

What are the goals of the canvassing efforts in Michigan?

The primary goals of the canvassing efforts in Michigan include:

Engaging with voters to understand their concerns and preferences.
Distributing campaign materials such as flyers, brochures, and buttons.
Encouraging voter registration and turnout.
Providing information about candidates and their policies.
Building a network of supporters and volunteers.

How do canvassers interact with voters during these efforts?

Canvassers typically follow a structured approach to interact with voters:

They introduce themselves and their affiliation (if applicable).
They ask if the voter has a few minutes to chat about the upcoming election.
They discuss key issues relevant to the election, such as healthcare, education, or economic policies.
They provide information about candidates and their positions on various issues.
They encourage the voter to register or participate in the election if they haven’t already done so.

What kind of information do canvassers gather during these interactions?

Canvassers may gather various types of information during their interactions with voters:

Voter registration status.
Political preferences and leanings.
Concerns or issues that are important to the voter.
Any specific questions or needs related to voting or election processes.

Are canvassing efforts in Michigan focused on any specific demographic groups?

Yes, canvassing efforts often focus on specific demographic groups that are crucial for winning elections in Michigan. These groups may include:

Young voters (18-30 years old).
Minority communities (African American, Hispanic, etc.).
Working-class voters.
Suburban voters who may be influenced by local issues.

How can individuals get involved in canvassing efforts in Michigan?

Individuals interested in getting involved in canvassing efforts in Michigan can:

Contact local party chapters or campaign offices to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Visit the website of the campaign or organization they support to find out how to participate.
Attend community events or rallies where they can meet organizers and learn more about the canvassing process.
Sign up for newsletters or follow social media accounts related to the campaign to stay updated on volunteer opportunities.

What safety precautions should canvassers take during their interactions with voters?

Canvassers should always prioritize their safety by following these guidelines:

Travel in groups whenever possible.
Be aware of their surroundings and avoid isolated areas at night.
Carry a phone with them at all times and keep it easily accessible.
Wear identifiable clothing or badges that clearly indicate their affiliation (if applicable).
Respect personal space and boundaries when interacting with voters.

How can voters verify the authenticity of canvassers who come to their door?

Voters can verify the authenticity of canvassers by:

Asking for identification or a badge that clearly indicates their affiliation (if applicable).
Checking if the canvasser has any official materials or literature from a recognized campaign or organization.
Using online resources to research the campaign or organization they claim to represent.
Being cautious if the canvasser seems pushy or aggressive in their approach.

What are some common misconceptions about canvassing efforts in Michigan?

Some common misconceptions about canvassing efforts in Michigan include:

Believing that all canvassers are from one particular party when in fact many groups are involved.
Assuming that canvassing only happens during election seasons when it can also occur during primaries and local elections.
Thinking that canvassing is only done by professional staff when many volunteers also participate.

How can voters provide feedback to canvassers during these interactions?

Voters can provide feedback to canvassers by:

Sharing their concerns or preferences directly with the canvasser.
Providing constructive criticism if they feel the information being shared is inaccurate or incomplete.
Asking questions about specific policies or issues they care about.
Offering suggestions on how the campaign could better engage with their community.

What role do local community organizations play in supporting canvassing efforts in Michigan?

Local community organizations play a crucial role in supporting canvassing efforts by:

Providing logistical support such as transportation and equipment.
Helping to identify key demographics and areas of focus for canvassing efforts.
Organizing community events where canvassers can meet potential supporters and gather information.
Offering training sessions for volunteers on effective canvassing techniques and safety protocols.

How do canvassing efforts impact voter turnout in Michigan?

Canvassing efforts can significantly impact voter turnout in Michigan by:

Encouraging registered voters to participate in elections.
Helping to register new voters who may not have been previously registered.
Providing information about voting procedures and deadlines which can help alleviate confusion among voters.
Building a sense of community engagement around elections which can motivate more people to vote.

What are some best practices for effective canvassing in Michigan?

Some best practices for effective canvassing include:

Being respectful and courteous when interacting with voters.
Having clear and concise information about candidates and policies ready at all times.
Listening actively to voter concerns rather than just pushing one’s own agenda.
Following up with voters after initial contact if they express interest or have questions.

How can technology enhance canvassing efforts in Michigan?

Technology can enhance canvassing efforts by:

Providing digital tools for organizing volunteers and tracking interactions with voters.
Using social media platforms to disseminate information quickly and reach a wider audience.
Creating online databases for voter information which can help tailor messaging more effectively.
Facilitating remote training sessions for volunteers who may not be able to attend in-person meetings.

What are some potential challenges faced by canvassers during their interactions with voters?

Some potential challenges faced by canvassers include:

Dealing with hostile or aggressive responses from some voters.
Navigating complex issues related to voter registration or eligibility.
Managing time constraints when trying to cover large areas efficiently.
Ensuring accurate information is being shared without spreading misinformation.

How can canvassers handle difficult conversations with voters?

Canvassers should handle difficult conversations by:

Remaining calm and composed under pressure.
Listening actively to understand the voter’s perspective before responding.
Providing clear explanations backed by evidence or credible sources when necessary.
Respecting differing opinions while maintaining professionalism throughout the interaction.

What role do local law enforcement agencies play in supporting safe canvassing practices in Michigan?

Local law enforcement agencies play a supportive role by:

Providing safety tips and guidelines for canvassers through community outreach programs.
Patrolling areas where canvassing is taking place to ensure public safety.
Responding promptly if any incidents occur during canvassing activities.
Collaborating with campaign organizations to address any concerns related to voter intimidation or harassment.

How can voters support canvassing efforts in their communities?

Voters can support canvassing efforts by:

Volunteering their time to participate in door-to-door outreach activities.
Donating resources such as transportation or equipment if needed.
Sharing information about upcoming elections and encouraging others to participate via social media platforms or word-of-mouth conversations.
Providing feedback about their experiences with canvassers which can help improve future efforts.

What are some long-term implications of successful canvassing efforts in Michigan?

Successful canvassing efforts in Michigan can have long-term implications such as:

Building sustained community engagement around elections which can lead to higher voter turnout over time.
Creating networks of dedicated volunteers who remain involved in politics beyond just one election cycle.
Helping shape policy discussions at both local and national levels by ensuring diverse voices are represented.
Enhancing civic education among residents by promoting informed decision-making processes.

Conclusion

The importance of effective canvassing cannot be overstated in the context of Michigan’s role as a swing state during elections. By understanding how these efforts impact voter turnout, community engagement, and policy discussions, we can better appreciate why they remain crucial components of democratic processes everywhere.