Your number one tool when knocking on doors is….your voice. But a very close number two is the GOTV or “Get Out The Vote” applications that you’ll use before and after every single door.

Here are some things to learn and remember about these useful (and sometimes glitchy) tools:

You’ll have to install them on your phones: Unless the campaigns are rolling in a cushy budget for IPads, you’ll likely have to install the app on your phone and register it with your email to create a log in. You’ll be using your data if you’re on a limited plan.

They work on GPS and the campaign can see exactly where you are: That’s right. Your field director can see where you are at all times. This is not only to make sure you’re hitting the right neighborhoods and to prevent fraud, but also for safety. But mostly for the first two reasons.

You’ll see a map on your screen and clicking on the houses will lead you to a survey: Yeah. It’s that simple really. You’ll ago to 123 Happy Street, click on the house and off you go with a script to read to the voter that answers the door (after a couple of doors you’ll probably have it memorized and your delivery will get better. More on this in another post.) Enter the answers to the survey and hit the next house.

Protect your data and keep notes: Many of these apps have syncing functions that you’ll use to zip the info back to the campaign. And you’ll want to keep a separate notepad to report any anomalys. They are not perfect. Protect your work!

Have a charger on hand: These apps love eating battery life. If you’re working a full day, it’s likely you’ll have to charge at some point. Whether you’re using your car or an external charger, keep a power source on hand.

There was a time when we did this all on paper. But like everything else in your life, door knocking revolves around these devices. Be ready!