Territory Leads Train for an Ambitious 2026 Field Plan
LD17’s Territory Leads (TLs) recently came together for an intensive training session focused on preparing for the 2026 election cycle. TLs play a critical role in our success: they organize and support volunteers within their territories to canvass for candidates and issues, run postcard campaigns, assemble campaign literature packets, and—most importantly—get out the vote!
The goal of this training was threefold: to ensure TLs understand the 2026 Field Plan, to help them develop a clear strategy for their own territories, and to prepare them to engage voters effectively and confidently.
Because of continued population growth, our district’s “win number” has grown significantly. To succeed in 2026, we must reach 67,000 doors (115,000 voters) in order to secure 75,000 votes. It’s an ambitious goal, and meeting it will require early, sustained, and well-organized field work.
The first order of business is relationship-building. We must connect with Democrats, independents and new voters by collecting up-to-date contact information and encouraging them to sign primary petitions for our local and statewide candidates. These early touches lay the foundation for strong turnout later.
One of the most important, and often most daunting tools we discussed was canvassing. While it can feel intimidating, political strategists are clear: nothing is more effective than a human, face-to-face conversation. Canvassing builds awareness of candidates, fosters trust, and creates accountability for voters. The data back this up. In a recent primary election, 79% of voters who spoke with us at the door turned out to vote, compared with just 39% of voters who were not contacted. That’s more than double the turnout simply because of canvassing!
During training, TLs reviewed the flow of an effective canvassing conversation, techniques for creating genuine engagement, and ways to counter misinformation—another area where in-person conversations are especially powerful. Sample scripts were shared and discussed to help canvassers feel prepared and confident.
TLs are also responsible for launching successful canvasses: organizing volunteers, providing materials, assigning addresses based on voter records (i.e., “turfs”), and even making sure refreshments are on hand. The session concluded with TLs working in small groups to develop tailored plans for their own territories.
If you’re someone who wants to help in a bigger way but isn’t sure where to start, we encourage you to fill out a volunteer form. A Territory Lead will reach out and help match you with a role that fits your interests, skills, and availability. There are many ways to contribute, and no one is expected to do it alone.
If you believe that our current situation, locally, statewide, and nationally, demands change, now is the time to step forward.
Act now. Join us. Together, we can win.