District 15 Democrats
Absentee voting is open. Register by Oct. 19. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Find your polling place →
D15 Neighbors · Door knocking guide

How to knock doors in District 15.

Everything you need for a great night on the doors with your neighbors. Read it once, then bring the printable version with you.

Sign up to knock doorsDownload the printable guide (PDF)
A smiling volunteer in a sun hat and South Dakota Democrats T-shirt
A volunteer at the Dems picnic

Why it matters

In 2024, a District 15 House seat came down to 9 votes. That's one block. A neighbor at the door is the most personal way to reach a voter, and the hardest to forget.

How a night works

  1. Sign upPick your nights at d15democrats.com/volunteer.
  2. Watch for a messageWe'll reach out with the meeting spot and start time.
  3. Meet upGet your walk list, a few talking points and a quick run-through.
  4. KnockAbout two hours on streets close to home.
  5. Check back inLet the team know you're done and how it went.

At the door: a 60-second conversation

You don't need to memorize this. Use your own words. The goal is a friendly chat and a plan to vote.

1Say hi“Hi! I'm ___. I live here in District 15, and I'm out tonight with the District 15 Democrats. Do you have a quick minute?”
2Ask and listen“What's one thing you'd like to see get better around here?” Then listen. Really listen.
3Share the team“On your ballot this year are three of our neighbors. Erik Muckey for State Senate. Kadyn Wittman and June CopperStad for State House.”
4Make a plan“Early voting is already open. Do you know when you'll vote?” Help them pick a day, a place and how they'll get there.
5Say thanks“Thanks for talking with me. Here's some info on the candidates and how to vote.”

Your District 15 Democrats

Erik Muckey
Erik MuckeyState Senate. Serves on the committee that writes the state budget. “Work harder. Work smarter. Work together.”
Kadyn Wittman
Kadyn WittmanState House. House Minority Whip. Her school meals bill became law this year.
June CopperStad
June CopperStadState House. Community health worker and patient advocate. Ten years serving District 15.

Tip: pick the one line that connects to what your neighbor just told you. That's what they'll remember.

Quick answers

  • “Where do I vote?” Look it up together at vip.sdsos.gov. It shows their polling place.
  • “Am I registered?” Same site. If they moved or aren't registered, they have until Monday, Oct. 19.
  • “Can I vote early?” Yes. Absentee voting is open now, in person or by mail.
  • “What do I bring?” A photo ID. No ID? They can sign an ID affidavit at the polls.
  • “I'm voting for the other side.” Thank them for their time and move on. No arguing.
  • A question you can't answer Don't guess. Make a note in MiniVAN so the team can follow up.

Good habits

  • Lead with listening. People remember the neighbor who listened.
  • Keep it short. Aim for a friendly 60 seconds, unless they want to talk.
  • No one home? Leave a flyer. Tuck it in the door handle or frame. Never in or on a mailbox. That's federal law.
  • Respect the door. No means no. Smile, say thanks and move on.
  • Stay on your list. It keeps us from knocking the same door twice.
  • Log every door. Every result helps us plan the next night.

Using MiniVAN

MiniVAN is the free app we use to load your walk list and log every door. Download it before your first night.

  1. Download the appSearch “MiniVAN Touch” in the App Store or Google Play. It's free. Sign in or create an ActionID account before your first night.
  2. Enter your list numberYou'll get a list number at meetup. Tap “Enter List Number,” type it in and tap Submit.
  3. Tap “Next House”MiniVAN walks you to each door in order.
  4. Mark your resultLog every door: talked, not home or refused. Left a flyer? Pick “Lit Drop.” Results sync on their own.

Stay safe

  • Knock with a partner when you can. Knocking on your own? Share your route and check in when you finish.
  • Stay at the door. Never go inside a home.
  • Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave.
  • Keep your phone charged and know where your car or ride is.
  • Skip locked or gated buildings and any “No Trespassing” signs.
  • Say you're a District 15 Democrats volunteer when asked.
  • Stay more than 100 feet from any polling place or early voting site.

Voting cheat sheet

NOWAbsentee voting is open
MON, OCT. 19Last day to register
MON, NOV. 2 · 5 P.M.Last day to request a mail ballot
TUE, NOV. 3Election Day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Registration, polling places and sample ballots are at vip.sdsos.gov.

Ready to knock?

Pick your nights and we'll reach out with where to meet. First time? We'll get you ready.

Sign up to knock doorsDownload the PDF