Introducing…{drumroll}…The 2018 Canvassing Caravan!

by Cindy

{UPDATED WITH 9/1 CANVASSING DETAILS}

Last year, I gained a bit of a reputation for canvassing all over the state of Virginia on behalf of candidates running for the House of Delegates. I had some amazing and unforgettable experiences, and learned a whole lot about what the people of the Commonwealth care about. So this year I’m doing it again, and my good friend Kellen Squire–himself one of those candidates for the House last year–is joining me in the project.

Many people told me last year how much fun it sounded like, how much they wanted to join me, and how interesting the stories I shared from those experiences were. So guess what? This year, I’m inviting every single one of you along for the ride! Instead of one Wandering Canvasser, let’s make it a whole caravan of canvassers (say that five times fast!) talking to voters around the state. Let’s talk to them about Abigail Spanberger, Leslie Cockburn, Anthony Flaccavento, Elaine Luria, Jennifer Lewis, Jennifer Wexton, Vangie Williams, as well as all the Democratic incumbents. And of course, let’s tell them about our fantastic Tim Kaine!

Here’s the plan. We’ll hit one or two districts most weekends between now and November. To make it a little easier on ourselves, we’ll try to minimize our driving time from Northern Virginia/Charlottesville, while still trying to visit parts of each district that will give us a good sense of what the district is like.

The Schedule (exact canvass locations tbd):

• August 18: CD01-Vangie Williams and CD11-Gerry Connolly
  • We’re teaming up with the Occoquan Democrats to canvass for our candidates. 10am first shift, lunch at Louisianan Cafe, and second shift at 1:30. Meet us at the Coordinated Campaign office at 5517 Mapledale Avenue, Dale City, VA 22193.
• August 25: CD05-Leslie Cockburn
  • We’re teaming up with Virginia Democracy Forward this weekend. Meet us at 12 from the canvassing headquarters at 1606 Sawgrass Ct. in Charlottesville.
• September 1: CD09-Anthony Flaccavento and Carter Turner (State Delegate district 08 special election) We will do TWO shifts in these districts! 10:30 am in Christiansburg and 2:00 pm in Salem City, with lunch in between in Salem City. Email for launch addresses if you can join us at either.
• September 8-9: CD06 Jennifer Lewis BLAST Zone canvass
• September 16: CD07-Abigail Spanberger
• September 22: CD10-Jennifer Wexton; and CD08-Don Beyer
• September 29: CD02 Elaine Luria; and CD03-Bobby Scott
• October 13: CD04-Donald McEachin

Here’s how YOU can join the Caravan: Send an email to Canvassing.caravan@gmail.com and let us know that you’d like to join us, and which date(s). As we update the exact locations of the canvass launches and any related events for the day, we’ll email you details (and help organize carpools).

This is a great way to see Virginia, step out of your bubble a bit, and have some really interesting conversations with voters from all over the Commonwealth. We hope you’ll join us, and make it a fun party!