All a professional needs are his or her tools. Right? Door Knocking for a political campaign is no different. The items we’re going to discuss are things you should have in the car at all times.

Let’s go!

Your Cellphone: There is a whole post on working with the Get Out The Vote Applications that you’ll use to record your surveys and complete your walk books (story HERE). Make sure you phone is charged and ready to go at all times. And yes, make sure you’ve got a charger too to keep the battery hungry apps fed.

Campaign Literature: Every campaign needs literature. You should have more than you need and then some. After your conversation, you’ll leave this door hanger or flyer with them to remember your candidate. If the voter isn’t home it will be the only physical proof you were ever there and is even more important.

Water: Don’t mess with me on this. Stay hydrated. If you pass out in the field, not only will you be in serious danger but the campaign will be in a tough position. Everyone loses. The campaign should be providing this for you.

Good Sneakers: You’ll be walking a lot and you don’t want to do it in pain. I’ve met some people that have chosen style over comfort and they pay for it every time.

These are just the basics. But I also recommend a hat, sunscreen, and a notepad.

You need to have the right tools for the job. There have been plenty of times where I’ve had to stop working and make a store run for a partner that forgot or realized they needed these on a walk. Save yourself the trip.