Eastbourne Liberal Democrat Deliverers Handbook

Why Leafleting Works

As we approach elections there are always questions from deliverers and recipients alike regarding the number of leaflets. The typical leaflet gets only scant consideration from members of the public so we need to repeatedly push the message to drive the point home. There is plenty of evidence from within our party and from academic research that shows what we are doing is effective.

There is no doubt that we are now firmly in an age of Internet activity and digital campaigning using social media is very important but digital will only ever complement the work we do on the streets in all weathers with traditional leafleting and door knocking. One big advantage of leaflets and targetted letters is that we can find out where every letterbox in the constituency or ward is and we are legally allowed to push something through it. Online campaigning has many strengths, but it does not have the same reach. Even leading digital companies like Apple and MailChimp do extensive publicity and marketing activities offline alongside their clever online activities.

During successful campaigns we will get complaints from people that we are posting too many leaflets. This is not really a problem as people vary greatly in their interest in leaflets and toleration of them, which means that if nobody is complaining then we are doing less than the most intolerant person likes to receive - and far less than the average person is happy to receive. We should not ignore complaints and we judge the frequency and content very carefully. The occasional complaint is not a reason for doing less, just as the occasional complaint when canvassing from someone who doesn't like being called on does not mean that we are doing too much door knocking. The reality is that our capacity to deliver will never be sufficient to meet the limits on leaflet numbers that people will tolerate. By the time we are sick of delivering the same message, the public is only just noticing that it's there at all.

Over half of the people who took part in our survey after the election said they saw campaign materials from parties and candidates, around a third said they got information from the televised leader debates or online sources.

• 55% of people who took part in our research after the election said that they got information from flyers/leaflets
• 32% from a party leader debate on television
• 29% from newspapers or news websites
• 24% from social media posts and adverts by campaigners

The Electoral Commission after the 2019 general election

Out and About

Depending on the area, you will deliver to houses with individual letterboxes, older houses converted into flats and modern blocks. All deliveries are possible but we need to be flexible with our approach.

When you receive your delivery bundle they may be leaflets or targetted letters. When the letters are prepared in the office we will try to present them in the correct order but we don't know the round as well as you so five minutes preparation getting the letters into the correct address order will save you doubling back on yourself.

Letterboxes

Some letterboxes will be very difficult to deliver through, they might have a draft excluder which can be tough on the hands. When delivering in the colder months a pair of lightweight work gloves such as knitted cotton with latex palms protects hands and keeps them warm.

Many deliverers find wooden and metal spatulas useful and we strongly recommend you use one. The spatula helps clear the obstructions in the letterbox allowing the leaflet to be easily pushed through. On very rare occasions there may be a curious dog on the other side of the box, the spatula will provide a useful way of keeping your hands out of reach.

The homeowner will appreciate you placing the leaflet all the way through the letterbox. If a leaflet has a visible portion poking out it is a clear indication to opportunists that the occupier is not present, either at work or on holiday. It is worth giving some thought to how we push the leaflet through, ideally we want it to land the front page facing upwards so that the message is clearly visible.

Flats

Deliveries into flats can often feel a bit daunting at first but persistence and experience will always pay off. It is vital that we get our delivery into each individual letterbox if possible. On your travels you will see fast food leaflets and those from rival political parties left in the common entrance and neglected, annoying the occupants. Many purpose built blocks of flats will have a trade bell which will allow you to enter. The trade bell usually only grants entry prior to midday. When you gain entry it usually best to start at the top floor using the lift if possible and working your way using the stairs.

Newer purpose built blocks and converted flats will not have a trade bell. You will find friendly faces and lib dem supporters in most blocks, we just have to locate them. Try ringing the bell of a flat at the top of the building, explain that you have a leaflet from the Lib Dems regarding the forthcoming election or have a letter addressed to them and ask them to let you in to deliver. If you find a friendly person make a note of their name and flat number, also let us know and we will amend the memo sheet for your round. Sometimes you or a canvasser will find a Lib Dem supporter who will be happy to distribute the campaign material throughout their block, making your job a lot easier.

You will occasionally find notices near letterboxes asking you not to post leaflets or junk mail. Often these notices have been placed by a previous occupant and the current occupant will have a different attitude. We don't believe that we produce junk mail, our literature forms a vital part of the democratic process and will be perceived as much greater value than a fast food advertisement.

You may be challenged from time to time, however, no tenant has a right to prohibit you from walking through the common areas which are the property of the freeholder. It is important to be polite, point out that distributing leaflets is a basic right in a functioning democracy. Many of the block's occupants will be pleased that you are taking the trouble to provide them with information and you will often encounter supporters who will take the time to have a chat. If an encounter in a particular block has made you uncomfortable for whatever reason, let us know and we will work out a way around the problem.

Many houses converted into multiple flats will have more than one entrance. There will be a main entrance and perhaps a garden or basement flat with a separate entrance. Rival parties and commercial leaflet distributors will often not go to the trouble of getting their leaflet into every letterbox. Our thoroughness will can really make a difference especially in a close election.

You may encounter blocks that consist of sheltered accommodation where the residents will be elderly and experience a range of mobility and cognitive challenges. It is best to seek out the manager who will normally have an office on the ground floor and they will give you permission to distribute our leaflets directly into the letterboxes or offer to deliver for you.

Here are a few final points to help you on your way

• Talk to us we probably have a solution to make your job easier
• Be tenacious - it pays off
• Every letterbox counts, push the leaflet all the way through
• Walking is an easy way to exercise - count your steps to get to 10,000
• Preparation is key - a stitch in time saves nine
• You will be surprised by the number of people who want to help us as you make your way around. Make a note and let us know.
• Start at the top and work your way down the block of flats
• Be polite towards challengers but remember you have a basic right to facilitate democracy
• Wear appropriate footwear and observe the weather
• Manage the stairs - lift up, walk down
• Your efforts are having an impact and making a difference