Textbanking is a powerful way to reach voters directly through text messages, having one-on-one conversations that encourage civic participation. It's like phone banking, but instead of calling, you're texting — making it less intrusive and often more effective at reaching people where they already are: on their phones.
How textbanking works
As a textbanker, you'll use a specialized platform (provided by the organizing group) to send personalized text messages to voters. You'll work from a script, but the conversations are real: people text back with questions, and you respond in real time.
Here's what a typical session looks like:
- You log into the textbanking platform from your computer or phone
- You're provided with a script and talking points
- You send initial messages to voters on your list
- When voters reply, you respond to their questions or concerns
- You track responses and help connect people to voting information, events, or resources
Sessions typically run 1-2 hours, and you can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.
What we use textbanking for
Indivisible Hawaiʻi uses textbanking primarily for voter engagement in competitive districts and swing states. This includes:
- Get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts: Reminding voters about upcoming elections and encouraging them to vote
- Voter registration drives: Helping people register or check their registration status
- Event mobilization: Inviting people to rallies, town halls, or campaign events
- Issue education: Sharing information about candidates or ballot measures
Because textbanking allows for direct, personal communication, it's particularly effective at cutting through the noise and actually reaching voters who might otherwise tune out traditional campaign outreach.
Why textbanking works
Studies show that personal contact significantly increases voter turnout, and textbanking combines the personal touch of a conversation with the convenience of texting. People are more likely to respond to a text than answer an unknown phone call, and the back-and-forth format allows you to address their specific questions or concerns.
Plus, textbanking is:
- Flexible: Participate from home, on your schedule
- Accessible: No need to travel or make phone calls if you're not comfortable with that
- Impactful: Direct voter contact is one of the most effective campaign tactics
- Social: Many textbanking sessions happen as group events where volunteers work together
How to get involved
Because textbanking requires specialized technology and platforms, IHSN partners with national organizations and state Democratic parties to organize textbanking opportunities. These sessions aren't always on a regular schedule—they pop up when campaigns need them most.
Here's how to make sure you don't miss out:
Sign up for our email list: This is the best way to hear about organized textbanking events and training sessions. We'll send you details about upcoming opportunities where you can join other IHSN volunteers.
Join our Signal group: For last-minute opportunities (sessions that come up with just a day or two of notice), we use Signal to alert volunteers. Many textbanking slots fill up quickly, so Signal helps us get the word out fast.
Check our events page regularly: We post scheduled textbanking sessions on our events page, where you can sign up directly.
Indicate your interest: When you sign up for our email list, let us know you're interested in textbanking. We'll make sure you're in the loop for training sessions and opportunities.
Training and support
Never done textbanking before? No problem. We offer training for volunteers who want to learn — in fact, we've had everyone from 20-somethings to 80-somethings join us for textbanking, often mentoring each other. We believe almost everyone can learn to textbank.
Ready to start conversations that change elections? Sign up for our email list and let us know textbanking interests you—we'll make sure you hear about the next opportunity to get involved.