The Art (and Occasional Happy Peril) of Door Knocking in East Lyme

Campaign season in East Lyme is in full swing, which means one thing: we continue to slog through the grand tradition of canvassing. There’s nothing quite like lacing up your sneakers, grabbing a clipboard, and venturing forth to meet the good people of our town—armed only with enthusiasm, voter lists, and the faint hope that the next doorbell actually works.

And that they don’t have a mean cat, or something.

Let’s be honest. Door knocking is not for the faint of heart. Our courageous East Lyme Democratic candidates face barking dogs who seem to have studied guard duty at Fort Knox.

Our volunteers often face off with Republicans who answer the door with a smile that could curdle milk. That, or they just sneer from inside the window and don’t even bother to answer .

Everyone who canvasses in Niantic and East Lyme will press a few doorbells that haven’t worked since Eisenhower was president. And yes, our hearty team occasionally finds themselves dodging cars that treat our quiet side streets like the Indy 500.

But for all the chaos, there’s something deeply magnificent about it too.

Because just when you think you’ve had enough—sweating through your third shirt, clutching your last flyer—you’ll knock on a door and meet someone who says, “You know, I’ve been meaning to register as a Democrat.” Or “I really appreciate what you folks are doing.” Sometimes they even offer you water. Occasionally, cookies. Once in a blue moon, an actual chair.

Canvassing is democracy at its most human and its most hopeful. You’re not just handing out literature—you’re handing out connection, conversation, and the simple reminder that our local government belongs to all of us.

So next time you’re out there—watch for dogs, smile at skeptics, and wave at those speeding cars (with all five fingers). Bring good shoes, good humor, and maybe a little bug spray. Because for every slammed door, there’s another one opening to a voter who’s glad you stopped by.

And that’s what makes it all worth it. And you get some steps in, too!