CROSS PLAINS, Wis. — As the election approaches, the focus has shifted from political debates and advertisements to the essential task of mobilizing voters. Getting citizens to the polls, whether in-person, by mail, or through ballot drop boxes, is a decisive factor that can define the success or failure of campaigns.
This year, Democrats are employing a familiar approach that includes targeted phone calls, text communications, and door-to-door canvassing, aiming to galvanize support for Vice President Kamala Harris. In contrast, former President Donald Trump’s campaign has delegated much of its voter outreach to groups like America PAC. This organization, backed by billionaire Elon Musk, has taken an unconventional route by offering substantial monetary prizes to incentivize voter turnout, with reports of giving away $1 million each day.
The battle is intensifying in critical swing states, including Wisconsin. Here, Kathy Moran, a 64-year-old retired employment attorney, has found herself unexpectedly engaged in political activism. During a clear autumn evening, she walked neighborhood streets with campaign flyers at the ready, motivated by recent significant political changes, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Struck by this turn of events, she felt compelled to contribute to the election efforts in her community. Moran’s dedication reflects the strategy Democrats are adopting, which focuses heavily on grassroots mobilization in Wisconsin—where past outcomes have often been determined by narrow margins of votes.
Democrats are leveraging an extensive network of supporters, volunteers, and committed party members for their ground game. In parallel, America PAC aims to reach out to occasional voters by canvassing and utilizing digital communications, though the specifics of their operations remain somewhat opaque. There are internal concerns among Republicans regarding the effectiveness of America PAC’s initiatives to rally support for Trump in pivotal states. Yet, there is evidence of heightened enthusiasm among Republican voters, as indicated by an uptick in early voting compared to previous elections.
Moran, who tracks her steps meticulously during canvassing, often interacts with voters who either support or oppose Harris. Some neighbors are eager to engage, while others remain resistant or indifferent. She uses a specialized app to keep notes on each conversation, ensuring she doesn’t repeatedly contact those who have already expressed their voting intentions.
In Georgia, the Harris campaign boasts over 40,000 volunteers along with a staff of 220 operating out of numerous field offices throughout the state. The campaign reports an impressive feat of knocking on over a million doors and making millions of phone calls. Local Democratic leaders emphasize the diligence of these volunteers in covering extensive neighborhoods every day. However, excitement among Republican voters is equally palpable which complicates predictions about the race’s outcome.
The Trump campaign is reported to have nearly 25,000 volunteers active in Georgia and has organized numerous events to energize their base. One notable event featured women dressed in pink Trump attire, encouraging attendees to rally their friends for the election. Meanwhile, dedicated Trump supporters like Kim Burnette have engaged in phone banking efforts to connect with registered Republicans, stating an optimistic outlook about voter intentions.
In contrast, North Carolinians like Charles Benson are experiencing an overwhelming influx of political messages and advertisements leading up to the election. Benson, who has participated in early voting, shares his frustrations about the incessant campaigning flooding his mailbox. Similarly, fellow Trump supporter Emma Macomber has seen her phone inundated with messages urging her to participate in the election and make donations, which she admits can be exhausting.
The approaching election is stirring both excitement and anxiety among voters, as they feel the impact of the relentless outreach and understand the stakes involved for their communities and the nation.