Summary of our 2013 Detroit Election Efforts
Election Background
APIAVote-MI worked within Detroit to mobilize and engage Asian American registered voters in the 2013 municipal elections. This year’s historically significant election marked the first time in nearly 100 years that Detroit residents voted for council members to represent their respective seven districts. Council members at-large, mayor, city clerk, and police commissioners were also up for election. Our three-layered plan of contact consisted of phone calls, postcard mailings, and a door canvass, with the latter two focused in Detroit’s Council District 3. Canvassing This election marked APIAVote-MI’s first time ever canvassing efforts! Four official group canvasses took place on Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 2, and Nov. 3. We focused within District 3, which includes two areas that are densely populated with Asian American voters: the neighborhood just north of Hamtramck, and the Osborn neighborhood. Portions of District 5 & 6 (areas with a high density of Asian university students) were also canvassed. 1,003 attempted face-to-face contacts were made, at an estimated 400+ households. These efforts yielded 224 canvassed voters (22% contact rate), and 475 voters that received literature, either because they were not home, or if there was a language barrier issue (48% literature drop rate). Voters received three pieces of literature: 1) a voter guide and candidate informational sheet (English, Hmong and Bengali available); 2) an ACLU Know-Your-Rights guide; and 3) a State Voices reminder GOTV postcard. |
Become a Member Today!
Becoming a member is one fast and easy way to get involved with APIAvote-MI.
You can become a member in two ways: 1. Fill out our online membership form HERE. Submit your membership dues via PayPal. 2. You can complete the form and mail to:
APIA Vote-Michigan P.O. Box 44613 Detroit, MI 48244 Please make checks payable to APIAvote-MI. Do not mail cash. Membership is for one calendar year. Renewal begins every January. |
Phone Banking
Three official group phone-banking sessions occurred on Oct. 14, Oct. 24, and Oct. 29. Volunteers direct dialed: 1) all APIA voters in District 3, inviting them to a MOSES-sponsored District 3 candidate forum, and 2) all APIA voters within Detroit limits, providing them with election information (including their specific polling location) and survey questions. Additional concentrated satellite phone-banking efforts took place the day prior to and on Election Day.
An estimated 1,450 phone calls were made to 1,038 individuals: 100% of APIA voters in Detroit (with a contact number) was called, with some called more than once. These efforts yielded 136 canvassed voters (13% contact rate), and 270 messages left (26% voicemail rate).
Candidate Forum Mailing
APIAVote-MI served in a supportive role to MOSES in publicizing the Oct. 17 District 3 candidate forum. 616 postcards with GOTV and forum details were specifically designed and sent out to all households with APIA voters within District 3. We also provided translated voter guides and candidate questionnaires, which were available at the forum. Additionally, APIAVote-MI assisted with MOSES neighborhood canvassing efforts to promote the event.
View the full summary here:
Three official group phone-banking sessions occurred on Oct. 14, Oct. 24, and Oct. 29. Volunteers direct dialed: 1) all APIA voters in District 3, inviting them to a MOSES-sponsored District 3 candidate forum, and 2) all APIA voters within Detroit limits, providing them with election information (including their specific polling location) and survey questions. Additional concentrated satellite phone-banking efforts took place the day prior to and on Election Day.
An estimated 1,450 phone calls were made to 1,038 individuals: 100% of APIA voters in Detroit (with a contact number) was called, with some called more than once. These efforts yielded 136 canvassed voters (13% contact rate), and 270 messages left (26% voicemail rate).
Candidate Forum Mailing
APIAVote-MI served in a supportive role to MOSES in publicizing the Oct. 17 District 3 candidate forum. 616 postcards with GOTV and forum details were specifically designed and sent out to all households with APIA voters within District 3. We also provided translated voter guides and candidate questionnaires, which were available at the forum. Additionally, APIAVote-MI assisted with MOSES neighborhood canvassing efforts to promote the event.
View the full summary here:
| summary_of_2013_detroit_election_efforts.pdf |
