Reflections/Learnings of a 1st Time Campaigner

Campaigning as a candidate in the local elections was not part of my plan for 2021, but life is funny sometimes. I believe you have to be ready to embrace unexpected opportunities and see where they take you, as long as they are true to your core beliefs, values and passions.

Putting my name out there and campaigning was not something I was keen to do. I did not seek out to do this and so was hesitant and reluctant when asked if I would. However, I have been so upset, appalled and angry at how our government has behaved that I promised myself I would try do something to make a change as moaning on social media does not achieve anything.

Although reluctant, once I said yes I was committed to giving it my best shot and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I would not be helping anyone if I did this half-heartedly.

Here are my learnings and reflections as a first-timer to political campaigning.

CANVASSING

1) Residents of Amersham and Chesham Bois are very nice people. Regardless of which party they supported, I had lots of good conversations, fun banter and was offered one cup of tea!

2) Wearing a rosette makes people treat you differently. Their guard can go firmly up or they can be very friendly. One lady serving at a local shop was very friendly as she thought it was my birthday, but her demeanour went the other way when she realised it was a political badge. A few kids at one door asked what my medal was for?

3) Canvassing is not as awkward as I thought it would be, but you never know what might happen after you knock. One lady opened the door and said, “Ooh, I’ve never been canvassed before, this should be good, go” as if I was about to perform a routine. I hope I didn’t disappoint.

4) There’s such a mix of methods people have to alert them there’s someone at the door:
– doorbell
– knocker
– doorbell and knocker
– 2 doorbells and a knocker
– No doorbell or knocker
The location of these are also varied and sometimes quite unexpected!

5) Canvassing definitely works and is actually useful to all participants. I’ve actively avoided canvassers my whole life but now realise all these years I’ve voted for people I have never met. By not answering the door I have missed my many opportunities to say what is important to me and how I would like things improved.

6) On election day at around 9.20pm, in the dark, I knocked on the door of a chap who answered in his dressing gown. Apart from the hall, the lights of the rest of the house were off. He said “very sorry, I’m tired, the kids have just gone to bed. However, I would have voted for you. Next time”. I replied saying “no worries and sorry for disturbing”. I carry on trying to find houses in the dark. 5 minutes later, the guy drives by, stops and says “you’ve convinced me, I’m off to vote’. People are nice! (see first point).

7) People care about democracy. On several occasions a parent asked me to explain to their newly adult offspring, voting for the first time, what our policies were and how they differed to the other parties. Several mums asked me to explain what the LibDems were to their children.

8) You would be surprised at the number of people who accidentally leave their keys in their front door!

9) Regardless of party affiliation, people really hang on to and are very bitter about unpopular policies or actions of the past, e.g. “I’ll never forgive them for …”. In one case, this was from the 1980s?! I found this very sad as all parties have had bad policies in the past. It’s about the party now and the future.

10) Many people want to talk but have to stand in an awkward way so not to let out their cat or dog. One lovely cat, who was allowed out, decided to canvass with me for almost an hour. I had to explain it was not an official LibDem cat 🙂

11) People do not know who their local Councillor is. Which is not a reflection on them, but on local Councillors who must work harder to make themselves known as well as to listen to local people.

LEAFLETING & LETTER POSTING

12) I have a new found respect for people who deliver post. It is something you think should be very easy, but it’s not. House numbering can often be very illogical and confusing (e.g. Scholars Way in Amersham). Getting into flat buildings can be very challenging.

13) Walking up chipping-filled driveways is surprisingly hard work! Also, there is no way to do it and look casual/cool. Or do it quietly.

14) Some people have their letterboxes in unusual places, including not in or nearby their door? One house I delivered to twice and still have not been able to locate their letter box?! Horizontal, vertical, double-flapped and some so stiff it is impossible to deliver without creasing the leaflet/letter.

TELLING
(where you log polling card numbers as people arrive at polling stations)

15) I found it very exciting and was proud to see people going to vote, regardless of who they voted for. I was surprised how much I enjoyed seeing democracy in action, that we, the people, make decisions.

16) I am not very coordinated. It rained for a while and so holding an umbrella, clipboard, pen and responding to phone messages all at once was very challenging to a clumsy person such as me. Achieving the photo above was very difficult.

OVERALL

17) Campaigning is exhausting! I have a very busy day job and so all spare free time was spent campaigning. It took a good week to fully recover.

18) Finally, campaigning is hugely a TEAM effort. There are so many great people giving their time to do all the things that need to be done. They work so hard and are really nice lovely people. I feel truly proud to have worked with them. Thank you to everyone involved.