Grassroots mail makes the difference
When battlegrounds are decided by fewer than 20,000 votes, personal outreach moves the needle.
How writing postcards to voters works
Follow these simple steps to order cards, write notes, and mail on time.
Sign up for an official kit or attend a local Chicago postcard party. You’ll receive pre-printed postcards, certified voter addresses, and approved scripts.
Handwrite the short campaign message clearly in blue or black pen. Add a warm, personal sentence on why voting matters to you.
Affix standard postcard stamps and hold your batch until the coordinated mail date so they land in voter mailboxes right as voting begins.
Upcoming postcard parties & meetups
Join fellow volunteers at local gatherings across Chicago to write cards together.
Local postcard gatherings in Chicagoland
Postcards to Swing States FAQs
Common questions about postage, addresses, scripts, and mailing deadlines.
How do postcards to swing states help win elections?
Handwritten postcards from volunteers create a tangible, personal connection that cuts through commercial junk mail. Studies show that friendly, personalized handwritten reminders sent to low-propensity Democratic voters shortly before election day significantly boost voter turnout.
How do I get voter addresses and postcard kits in Chicago?
Operation Swing State partners with organizations like the Progressive Turnout Project, Postcards to Swing States, and local Chicago ward organizations (like New Trier Dems and Oak Park Dems) who supply official voter address lists, instructions, and approved message scripts.
Can I host a postcard-writing party with friends or neighbors?
Yes! Hosting a postcard party is a fun and social way to take political action. You can order a kit of 100 to 500 cards, invite friends over for coffee or snacks, and write cards together using our campaign-approved messaging guides.
What are the rules and guidelines for writing postcards to voters?
Write clearly and legibly in blue or black pen, follow the exact required script or talking points provided by the campaign, avoid partisan vitriol, and hold the completed cards until the designated target mail date specified in your packet instructions so they arrive right as voting begins.
Do I have to pay for postcard stamps myself?
Most remote campaigns ask volunteers to cover standard USPS postcard stamps as an in-kind grassroots donation. However, several local Chicago ward organizations and partner groups provide pre-stamped cards or postage assistance at in-person postcard gatherings.
Ready to take action in person or by phone?
Join a weekend canvass carpool to knock doors in Wisconsin or jump on a virtual phone bank from home.