Hi,
Ground Truth starts with a simple idea: before Democrats try to persuade voters, we first need to listen to them. Through this innovative program, Swing Left volunteers talk with all voters in swing House districts (not just the “likely” voters), engaging in substantive conversations that focus on listening openly and non-judgmentally to voter’s concerns.
When people hear that, the next question is often, “Okay, but what does that actually sound like in practice?”
If you’re available later today, January 24th at 1 PM EST, the best way to see how Ground Truth works is to try it yourself at a phone bank! Here’s a link to RSVP.
These conversations are designed to feel natural, and focus on listening—to build trust and unearth insights often missed by traditional canvassing.
Here’s how a typical Ground Truth conversation goes:
First, you’ll start by introducing yourself and being transparent about why you’re getting in touch. You’ll explain that you’re a volunteer with Ground Truth, which is helping Democrats make sure we’re spending less time talking and more time really listening, and hearing opinions from everyone. You can make this tailored to you. The most important thing is curiosity and openness.
Then, you’ll proceed to ask the first question on the script, “Would you say things in this country are headed in the right direction, or on the wrong track?” If the voter is open to conversation, you can ask a follow up question and ask them to elaborate. Afterwards, you’ll then move on to the following questions, both on a 0 to 10 scale, to better understand what their voting plan is.
These aren’t “gotcha” questions. They’re just a way to understand where someone is starting from. What matters most is the follow-up:
That’s often where people start to open up.
From there, the conversation becomes more open-ended. You might ask questions like:
Deep listening means staying attentive, not corrective, so if you ever get stuck, “Tell me more about that” is always enough.
Before wrapping up, you’ll reflect back on what you heard to make sure you understood the voter correctly. Then you’ll ask for contact information so campaigns can follow up later.
The note-taking part at the end of a conversation is one of the most important parts of Ground Truth. Using a new app that Swing Left helped design, you’ll record longform notes that capture what the voter said. Those data-rich insights are then passed along to Democratic campaigns and state parties, helping fill gaps in the voter file and strengthening their messaging and outreach.
If you’re nervous about volunteering, that’s okay! We’ll train you, give you scripts and support, and make sure you feel prepared before you ever talk to a voter.
Ground Truth conversations are about showing up with curiosity and respect—and giving voters a space to be heard.
If that kind of organizing resonates with you, we hope you’ll join us to help Democrats win!
— Swing Left
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Since 2017, Swing Left has channeled the energy of grassroots volunteers and donors to elect Democrats, up and down the ballot, focusing on the most competitive races that can swing the national balance of power. Right now, Swing Left is investing in early grassroots organizing in key swing districts and initiatives across the country to lay the foundation to win back the House in 2026. If you’d like to help support our work, you can make a donation using this link. |
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Paid for by Swing Left, swingleft.org, not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
