Well, here we are – days away from election day when Canadians will choose their next government. For the last number of weeks, Canada’s political parties have been making their pitches to Canadians, arguing why they’re the best choice to meet the moment.
On the ground, local campaigns have been working in full force to identify their supporters, deliver lawn signs and convince their neighbours why their candidate is best positioned to earn their support. And now is the critical moment where campaigns get put into overdrive.
For the last number of weeks, and in some cases, months- candidates and campaigns have been knocking on thousands of doors to identify their supporters and persuade undecided voters. The national campaigns have been listening to focus groups and in-depth polling to help them craft a winning narrative. Policy experts have been crafting the platforms and positions of each Leader. And all the parties are spending major dollars to air closing week advertising.
Now, it all comes down to ground game, where campaigns are tasked with that infamous four letter word: GOTV, also known as Get Out The Vote, where campaigns are tasked with getting their supporters to the polls.
During these final days, campaigns are in overdrive, candidates are making their final pitches, and voters are tuning in more closely than ever. For advocacy organizations and businesses with an ask of Canada’s next government, this is not the time to sit back—it’s the moment to lean in.
And one fantastic way to build relationships with future policymakers you’ll soon be needing to work with is very simple: put on a pair of running shoes, head to your local campaign office and offer to help.
Volunteering for a campaign not only provides much-needed support to candidates but also offers a unique opportunity to build genuine relationships with those who may soon hold office. Whether it’s knocking on doors, making phone calls, or bundling GOTV literature, your involvement can leave a lasting impression, and will be exceptionally appreciated by candidates, and the staff running campaigns who’ll soon be running MP and Ministerial offices in Ottawa.
This isn’t about partisan alignment; it’s about strategic engagement. Choose campaigns that resonate with your values and where your efforts can make a tangible impact. Support candidates and parties that support your objectives and industry. Transparency is key—be upfront about your affiliations and intentions. Remember, the goal is to establish trust and open lines of communication that can be invaluable post-election.
After the ballots are counted, the relationships forged during the campaign can serve as a foundation for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Politicians are inundated with congratulatory letters and policy asks once elected – it’s the folks who stood with them when they needed it the most before the election who’ll be remembered.
Remember to review all relevant lobbying legislation and advice for volunteering on political campaigns, and all necessary declarations are filed with the relevant oversight body such as the Lobbying Commissioner.
In the final days before the election, every action counts. Campaigns are scrapping for every single last vote. Staff and candidates are working 18 hour days, often fueled by pizza and energy drinks. The folks who stood with them in this crucial moment will not go unnoticed.
By volunteering on a campaign, you position yourself not just as a participant in the democratic process, but as a proactive contributor to the shaping of our nation’s future. And in the world of politics, there’s simply no better way to build genuine relationships than offering meaningful help at this crucial moment of the campaign.
Get out there and go knock on doors – you and your organization or business will be glad you did.
Ben Smith, Partner
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