Collecting Signatures to Get on the Ballot
"Hi, are you a registered, Rhode Island Voter? Great. My name is Mark Binder, and I'm running for Congress, and I need signatures to get on the ballot. What town are you from?"I don't know how many times I have said that over the past few days. Over and over again. It's good practice. Sometimes people say, "Sure, I'll sign." And others they look at your clipboard as if you've got a fungus growing on your hands.
I spent yesterday morning, gathering signatures in Little Compton Common at the celebration of the Church of Christ's 300th anniversary. It was a beautiful day, and everyone was smiling.
I began to practice and hone my "pitch" as well as discover some of the gaps in my spiel. I definitely need to work on the 30 second who-I-am-and-why-I-am-running speech.
Some memorable comments:
Don't you feel that you're violating church and state by collecting signatures here?
-- No, I don't, I'm standing on a public street.
(She didn't sign)
I'm a Republican, but I don't like Kennedy, so I'll sign your petition.
I'm a Republican, and I'm a friend of Patrick, but I'll sign your petition.
I'm a Republician. I don't want to be on your mailing list. I'll sign your petition if you promise not to send me anything.
I used to be a Republican until I learned what the FCC was doing to Howard Stern. Where do you stand on Free Speech?
-- For it.
I'm a Democrat, and I'll support anyone who is running.
I'm a Democrat, and I support Kennedy, I won't sign your petition.
You seem like a nice fellow, why are you doing this?
-- Sometimes I'm not sure, but meeting people is one of the best reason.
No, I can't sign that. I don't want other people to see me sign something.
Hmmm.... So-and-so signed. Ok, I'll sign.
posted by Mark Binder @ 2:19 AM
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