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Phone banking scripts are an essential element of political campaigns because they allow volunteers and staff to communicate the campaign’s message and goals to voters effectively.
Calling scripts ensure that critical points are covered in each call and, at the same time, maintain consistent messages across the campaign. The scripts can gather important voter information so you can learn about their preferences, which helps understand what matters and improves your community outreach.
And phone scripts allow us to do even more – to engage with voters, build relationships, and ultimately drive voter turnout on election day. They serve as a guide for callers to convey the right message, ask the right questions, and address concerns.
So in this article, we will show you what, how, and why political phone banking scripts matter for different scenarios:
- Political fundraising
- Volunteer recruitment
- Donor thank you
- Voter persuasion
- Get out the vote (GOTV)
- Issue identification
If you plan a political race but don’t know which calling scripts can help you, this article will give you a quick start.
Political fundraising
Political fundraising includes fundraising strategies and tactics to support political campaigns, parties, or programs. Typical fundraising activities are reaching out to potential donors through phone calls, direct mail, or email and convincing them to contribute to the campaign or cause.
Candidates finance their campaigns and compete effectively with their opponents’ thanks to fundraising. And to be effective, political fundraising requires well-crafted scripts, persuasive messaging, and proper targeting of potential donors.
What is a political fundraising script?
A political fundraising script guides calling agents when soliciting donations for a political campaign. The script typically includes the following:
- Information about the candidate or his program
- The purpose of the fundraising
- Instructions on donating
Sometimes scripts also include information on upcoming events or volunteer opportunities.
The script must be persuasive to encourage the person on the other end of the line to donate, remove common objections and answer people’s questions.
The final goal of the political fundraising script is to communicate the message and encourage supporters to contribute financially effectively. The more people campaigns and advocacy groups can reach, the more potential donations can be collected.
Why is a political fundraising script vital for political campaigns?
A political fundraising script is essential for campaigns because successful campaigns depend heavily on external funds.
Campaigns require significant money to cover expenses such as staff salaries, advertising, political events, print materials, and much more. Without funds, a campaign and its candidate will have difficulty competing effectively with other candidates.
A fundraising script and passionate volunteers can make a difference by convincing people why they should donate to the campaign and how this can affect their lives.
Script examples
Example 1
Hello, this is [Name] with the [Candidate/Party] campaign.
We’re calling today to ask for your support. As you know, [Candidate/Party] is committed to [insert key campaign issues or policies], and we need your help to make these goals a reality.
Would you be willing to make a contribution today to support our efforts? Your donation will help us reach more voters and spread the word about [Candidate/Party] ‘s message.
We have a secure online donation system that you can use to make a contribution of any size.
Thank you so much for your support. Every donation makes a difference.
Example 2
Hi, this is [Name] with the [Candidate/Party] campaign.
I am reaching out to you today because we’re in the final stretch of our campaign and every donation counts. We’re working hard to get the vote and ensure that [Candidate/Party] wins in this election.
Can I count on you to contribute today to help us meet our fundraising goal? Even a small donation of $10 or $20 can make a big difference in our campaign.
Thank you for your support and for participating in this important effort.
Example 3
Hello, this is [Name] with the [Candidate/Party] campaign.
We’re calling today to ask for your help in supporting [Candidate/Party] ‘s campaign for [insert office or election]. Our campaign is dedicated to [insert key campaign issues or policies], and we need your support to make these goals a reality.
Your donation of [insert suggested donation amount] will help us reach more voters and spread the word about [Candidate/Party] ‘s message. We have a secure online donation system you can use to contribute today.
Thank you for considering a donation to our campaign. We’re grateful for your support and look forward to working together to make a positive change in our community.
Volunteer recruitment
Volunteer recruitment is used to attract people to donate their time and skills to a particular cause. In political campaigns, volunteer recruitment builds a solid and effective campaign team.
To get potential volunteers for political campaigns, campaign staff use social media, email, or phone calls to get them involved in the campaign. Effective volunteer recruitment requires communicating the campaign’s goals and values and how volunteering will make a difference.
Once on board, recruited volunteers take over various campaign activities like phone banking, canvassing, event planning, voter outreach, and other voter mobilization tactics.
What is a volunteer recruitment script?
A volunteer recruitment script guides callers in recruiting volunteers. It typically includes information about the organization, the benefits of volunteering, and how to get involved.
The script may also include persuasive elements to encourage the person on the other end to volunteer. Like with other scripts, volunteer recruitment scripts contain responses to common objections or questions people have when thinking about becoming volunteers.
A well-written script allows agents to present the campaign’s goals, values, and objectives. When following a script, volunteers or call agents feel more secure and reduce the risk of providing misinformation or getting confused.
Why is a volunteer recruitment script necessary?
A volunteer recruitment script is essential for political campaign staff because getting volunteers on board at the campaign start influences how the campaign will progress. The sooner a campaign acquires volunteers, the earlier campaign managers can plan canvassing, phone banking, fundraising, and event organizing efforts.
Also, if a campaign has problems attracting volunteers, a good script will emphasize volunteering benefits and ensure that callers consistently use the right messages.
Script examples
Example 1
Hi, this is [Name] with the [Candidate/Party] campaign.
We’re calling today to ask if you’re interested in volunteering with our campaign. Our volunteers play a critical role in helping us spread the word about [Candidate/Party]’s message and connect with voters in our community.
There are many ways to get involved, from making phone calls to knocking on doors to helping out at events. We provide training and support for all of our volunteers, so no experience is necessary.
If you’re interested in getting involved, I can connect you with our volunteer coordinator who can give you more information about how to sign up and what opportunities are available.
Thanks for your time, and we hope to hear from you soon.
Example 2
Hello, this is [Name] with the [Candidate/Party] campaign.
We’re looking for volunteers to help us make a difference in our community. Whether you’re passionate about [insert key campaign issues or policies] or just want to get involved and make a difference, we’d love to have you on board.
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available, from canvassing to phone banking to social media outreach. No matter what your skills or interests are, there’s a place for you on our team.
If you’re interested in volunteering, I can connect you with our volunteer coordinator who can answer any questions you have and get you started.
Thank you for your time, and we hope to have you join our team soon.
Example 3
Hi, this is [Name] with the [Candidate/Party] campaign.
We’re reaching out to ask if you’re interested in joining our team of dedicated volunteers. As a volunteer, you’ll play an important role in helping us get out the vote and make a positive impact in our community.
We provide training and support for all of our volunteers, so no experience is necessary.
Whether you can commit a few hours a week or a few hours a month, every little bit helps.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can get involved, I can connect you with our volunteer coordinator who can give you more information and help you get started.
Thank you for considering volunteering with our campaign, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Donor thank you
Donor thank you is used when expressing gratitude and appreciation to people who have donated money to your campaign. In the context of political campaigns, thanking your donors is vital for building and maintaining relationships with campaign supporters.
Reaching out to donors and acknowledging their contribution happens through personalized messages emphasizing appreciation. Effective donor thank you requires promptness and sincerity since donors appreciate feeling valued and recognized.
By showing appreciation and communicating it actively to donors, political campaigns encourage continued donor support in the future.
What is a donor thank you script?
A Donor thank you script is designed to express gratitude to donors who have contributed to a campaign. The script typically includes a thank you message, appreciation, and updating the donor on how the donation will be used to support the campaign.
Not only do donor thank you scripts build and maintain strong relationships with supporters, but they also lead to increased donations, volunteerism, and overall engagement. Therefore, the scripts are another way campaigns demonstrate that they value their supporters and are committed to their shared goals.
Why is a donor thank you script important?
A donor thank you script is important for political campaigns because thanking your donors is an important element of fundraising efforts. The scripts cultivate and maintain positive relationships with donors crucial to any political campaign’s success.
Donors are more likely to continue supporting a campaign if they see value in their contribution, how they impact the campaign, and if their voices are heard.
A donor thank you script also updates the donors about the campaign’s progress and plans. That way, donors can feel more involved in the campaign and maintain a positive relationship with the campaign beyond financial support.
Script examples
Example 1
Hello, this is [Name] with the [Candidate/Party] campaign.
I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for your recent donation to our campaign. Your support means a great deal to us, and we couldn’t do this without you.
Your donation will help us continue spreading [Candidate/Party]’s message and connecting with voters in our community. We’re committed to making a positive impact in our community, and your contribution makes that possible.
Once again, thank you for your support. We hope that you’ll continue to follow our campaign and stay engaged in the important work that we’re doing.
Example 2
Hi, this is [Name] with the [Candidate/Party] campaign.
I’m calling today to say thank you for your recent contribution to our campaign. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.
Your donation will help us reach more voters and spread our message of [insert key campaign message or issues]. We’re committed to building a better future for our community, and your support makes that possible.
I wanted to let you know that we’ll be hosting a volunteer training event next week, and we’d love to have you join us. It’s a great opportunity to meet other supporters and get involved in our campaign efforts. I’ll send you an email with more information.
Thank you again for your support, and we hope to see you soon.
Example 3
Hello, this is [Name] with the [Candidate/Party] campaign.
I wanted to personally thank you for your recent donation to our campaign. Your support means a great deal to us and will make a significant impact on our efforts to [insert campaign goal].
We’re committed to building a strong and united community, and your contribution helps us achieve that goal. We’re also planning some exciting campaign events in the coming weeks, and we’d love to have you join us. I’ll send you an email with more information about the events.
Once again, thank you for your support. We’re grateful to have you as a part of our campaign, and we look forward to working together to create a brighter future for our community.
Voter persuasion
Voter persuasion refers to convincing potential voters to support a political campaign, a candidate, or an issue. Persuasion involves communicating the campaign values of a candidate and addressing any concerns or objections voters may have towards the candidate.
Voter persuasion includes phone calls, door-to-door canvassing, political digital marketing, and other forms. Political campaigns target specific demographics or audiences when planning the calling campaigns.
Effective voter persuasion requires a strong understanding of the voters’ motivations. When using persuasive messaging and communication skills, voters are more likely to support a candidate or program, increasing campaign chances of winning elections.
What is a persuasion script?
In the context of political races and campaigns, a persuasion script guides callers when calling and persuading voters. The script most often consists of a message highlighting the candidate’s strengths, accomplishments, and goals. Also, persuasion scripts refer to key issues and why the candidate is the best to tackle them.
The goal of a persuasion script is pretty straightforward – to persuade voters to support the candidate or encourage them to take some action, such as voting or volunteering.
As a result, the script serves as a powerful method that helps win the vote and influence voting behavior.
Why is a persuasion calling script important?
A persuasion calling script is important because it supports voter outreach, communicates campaign messages, and persuades voters to support the program.
The script structures the phone calls for calling agents and ensures that callers cover all points clearly and concisely.
Using a well-written persuasion script, campaign staff can easily engage with voters, address their concerns, and build a rapport with them. And at the same time, the script helps to educate voters on the key issues and positions of the candidate.
In short, a persuasion script delivers a consistent message to voters and supports building a knowledge base of potential supporters. A good script can get campaigns more votes, volunteers, and donations, influencing the race’s success.
Script examples
Example 1
Hi, my name is [Caller Name], and I am calling on behalf of [Candidate Name]’s campaign.
I’m calling today to talk to you about [Candidate Name] and their plan to [insert key policy or issue]. [Candidate Name] believes that [insert brief summary of candidate’s position], and we think that this approach will benefit our community by [insert the benefit].
We need someone in [insert office] who will work hard to make our community a better place to live, and that’s exactly what [Candidate Name] will do. Can we count on your support to help [Candidate Name] win this election?
Thank you for your time, and please remember to vote on election day.
Example 2
Hi, my name is [Caller Name], and I am calling from [Candidate Name]’s campaign.
I wanted to reach out to you today to discuss [Candidate Name]’s record on [insert issue]. [Candidate Name] has been a strong advocate for [insert policy or issue], and has a proven track record of [insert accomplishments or results].
We believe that [Candidate Name] is the best candidate to address this issue, and we hope that you’ll join us in supporting [Candidate Name]’s campaign.
Thank you for your time, and please consider supporting [Candidate Name]’s campaign. Every vote counts in this election.
Example 3
Hi, my name is [Caller Name], and I’m calling on behalf of [Candidate Name]’s campaign.
I’m reaching out today to ask for your support in this important election. As you know, our community is facing many challenges, and we need a leader who can work tirelessly to solve these issues. [Candidate Name] is that leader.
[Candidate Name] has the experience and vision necessary to [insert key policy or issue], and we believe that they are the best candidate to represent us.
Can we count on your support for [Candidate Name]’s campaign? Please remember to vote on election day, and thank you for your time.
Get Out The Vote (GOTV)
GOTV, short for “Get Out The Vote,” is a phrase used in political campaigns to refer to activities that motivate registered voters to cast their ballots on election day.
These actions include phone calls, text messages, direct mail, and door-to-door canvassing. The final goal is to remind voters about the election, provide information on polling locations and hours, and urge them to vote.
The GOTV initiative is crucial because although people register to vote, many still need to show up on election day due to several factors. That is why implementing effective GOTV measures leads to increased voter turnout that can turn the election in the candidate’s favor.
What is a GOTV script?
The GOTV script encourages voters to participate in the election process. The script highlights the significance of voting and its impact on the election outcome. The script contains critical information such as polling locations, voting hours, and other details relevant to the voting planning process.
GOTV scripts use shorter and longer sentences to keep the caller engaged. The scripts must capture the interest in the message being conveyed. Less complex scripts can grab attention better and engage people more since they will understand the call arguments easier.
Why is a GOTV script important for political campaign staff?
The primary objective of a GOTV script is to increase voter turnout. With its use in the final days before the election, the script is a tool for political campaigns to mobilize their supporters and move closer to victory.
At the same time, GOTV scripts can provide an opportunity to address voters’ objections or concerns. While reminding people to vote is the primary goal, the calling script provides information on election importance, key campaign issues, and where, when, and how to vote.
Voters and supporters must receive accurate and reliable information about the candidate and the campaign, another reason why GOTV scripts are vital.
Script examples
Example 1
Hello, [Voter Name], this is [Your Name] calling from [Campaign Name]. I’m calling to remind you about the upcoming election and to encourage you to make your voice heard by voting.
As a supporter of [Candidate Name], your vote is critical to help us win this election and bring about positive change for our community. Can we count on your support on Election Day?
If you haven’t already, please make sure to mark your calendar and find out where and when to vote. Do you need any assistance or information about voting, such as polling locations or early voting options?
Remember, your vote is your voice and your power. Let’s make sure that our voices are heard on Election Day. Thank you for your support!
Example 2
Hello, [Voter Name], this is [Your Name] calling from [Campaign Name]. I wanted to touch base with you and remind you about the importance of this upcoming election.
Your vote is critical to help us win this election and create a better future for our community. We need your support to make this happen.
Can I count on you to vote on Election Day? If you have any questions or need any information about voting, such as polling locations or early voting options, please let me know and I’ll be happy to help.
Thank you for your time and your support. Let’s make our voices heard and make a difference in this election.
Example 3
Hello, [Voter Name], this is [Your Name] calling from [Campaign Name]. I’m calling to remind you about the upcoming election and to encourage you to get out and vote.
As a supporter of [Candidate Name], your vote is critical to our success. Your voice matters, and we need it to be heard on Election Day.
Have you made plans to vote yet? If not, I can help you find your polling location or provide information about early voting options. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.
Thank you for your support and your commitment to our community. Let’s work together to make a difference in this election.
Issue Identification
Issue identification is fundamental to political campaigns because it allows candidates to understand their potential voters. In practice, issue identification works by gathering information through polling or surveys. People are asked to share their opinions on the issues their community or society is experiencing or might face in the future.
The issues identified can vary significantly – from economic concerns like job growth and income inequality to social issues like healthcare access and education.
When these issues have been identified, political campaigns use the information to tailor their messaging and outreach efforts to address potential voters’ concerns. By focusing on the issues most important to voters, campaigns increase the chances of success at the ballot box.
Although identifying the most critical issues for voters can be complex, issue identification remains a vital political campaign aspect that influences campaign paths and organization.
What is an Issue Identification (ID) script?
An issue identification (ID) script is a tool campaign staff uses to identify the issues people care about. The script serves as a guide to engage voters in a meaningful conversation where they can voice their opinions on the topics they care about.
The issue ID script aims to collect information about various issues most relevant to target voters and audiences. Once that information is analyzed, political parties use it to form strategies with messages that directly address voters’ issues.
Volunteers using issue ID scripts massively impact campaign directions because of the valuable insights they collect through phone or conversations. Proper issue ID script helps to get quality responses in less time and in a structured way.
Why is an issue Identification (ID) script important for political campaign staff?
When running for political office, developing issue (ID) scripts that campaign staff can use should be a priority. The script helps candidates better understand the issues that matter most to potential voters and their communities.
Armed with those insights, political candidates know which issues they must address to get elected.
Furthermore, information gathered through issue ID scripts helps campaigns identify different voter types – those more or less likely to support their candidate based on their views.
Political campaigns usually target voters with different views, and knowing how many voter segments political managers need to target is the first step toward a successful outcome.
Script examples
Example 1
Hi, this is [Your Name] calling from [Political Campaign].
We’re conducting a survey to understand the issues that are most important to voters in this election.
What issue do you think is the most important for our community right now?
Example 2
Good evening, this is [Your Name] calling from [Political Campaign].
We want to hear from voters like you about the issues that matter most in this election.
Can you tell me what issue concerns you the most and why?
Example 3
Hello, this is [Your Name] calling from [Political Campaign].
We’re conducting a survey to better understand the concerns and priorities of voters in our community.
Would you be willing to share what issue you think is the most pressing for our area and why?
Scripts and predictive dialers are a winning combination
Calling scripts are powerful tools that can leverage any political campaign. However, more than an excellent phone banking script is needed – you need people who will use it and tools to reach many potential voters efficiently.
Tools like HubDialer are perfect when you need to reach people at scale and run meaningful conversations. Using predictive dialer technology, HubDialer is an excellent support for any political calling activity. Be it political fundraising, volunteer recruitment, donor relationships, voter persuasion, GOTV, or issue identification.
Not sure if this can work for you? Sign up for a free trial and get 500 minutes to call landlines and cell phones.