I don’t live in a Swing State. You may or may not, either.
But, with less than 50 days left before the election, the time to make a difference is now. Maybe you've donated money. Maybe you’ve had that brave talk with a right-winging relative or friend. Maybe you’ve put up a sign.
And maybe in your heart, you hear the call to do more; to leave nothing on the table.
I know I do.
Phone banking is easier and safer than you might think. Here’s how to sign up, to start, and a few details to help put your mind at ease …
Signing Up
You can sign up at joebiden.com/call/. You’ll fill out a short sign-up form, including what state you reside in, and start booking times when you’re available to make a call. It’s that easy.
Setting Up
To phone bank, you don’t use your personal phone. This is one of the great myths and barriers to those who are worried about helping through phone banking. Instead, you’ll use a browser (Chrome or Firefox) and ideally a headset to make the call clarity good for the recipient. Similar to how you might take virtual meetings or social gatherings, you’ll essentially have the conversation through the computer. Calls can be made from anywhere, as long as it’s quiet and appropriate for making campaign calls.
How The Online Calling Works
The detailed guide is here, but essentially: once you’re signed-in for your phone banking time, the system will automatically connect with voters that the campaign wants to reach. You will be ‘pinged’ when someone answers and responsible for walking through the call script, live. Once the call is completed, you’ll provide details about the result of the call via a list of options. And then the next call will start soon after that.
Do People See My Phone Number?
Nope. The calls are placed through phone numbers assigned to the campaign (that’s what the online phone banking software does). No one will know your number or be able to harass you by reverse dialing once you’re done.
What Times / Days are available?
Pretty much any time, any day, with the exception of Sunday (just a short range of hours are available on Sundays). If you’re like me on the West Coast, the times may be a little wonky, but with a wide range of options, it’s easy enough to find an hour here and there.
Is it scary? Is it weird? Am I annoying?
Maybe, a little, probably. Don’t we all get a little annoyed with the random spam call during our day? The difference is, you’re calling voters (usually likely Dems) and asking them how they’re doing, if they have a plan to vote, etc. You’re not selling anything. Rather, you’re putting yourself out there as an everyday person to represent the idea of voting for Joe. It’s an important connection for some voters. After a few calls, the nerves wear off and you’re just in the flow.
It’s Rewarding
I phone banked in the last few presidential elections. It’s always a little odd at first, but always — always — there is one call that really puts the election in a better place. The first time I phone banked was for Obama in ‘08 and I spoke with several voters who just wanted to talk through the fear that by putting him in office, they may very well be endangering him. The real, palpable fear of racism and white supremacist violence made manifest into a personal responsibility for the safety of then-candidate Obama.
That moment for me — and many since — has reminded me that phone banking’s greatest value often is just being a voice on the line for a voter who has a concern, a fear, a worry, or just needs an emotional pat on the back.
We are truly all in this together and our only way out is together.
Note: I am not a member of the Biden campaign and in no way represent that all of the above is 100% accurate. Just my personal take on how we can convert our frustration in to action, with links to where you can sign up if you’re moved to do so.