How to Use MiniVAN Introduction Directions

How to Use MiniVAN
Introduction
MiniVAN is a free, mobile canvassing application for iOS and Android created by NGPVAN for
use with VoteBuilder.
It allows users to load an existing canvass or phonebank list onto their smart phone or tablet
and record responses digitally on the go. This removes the need for later data entry, which in
turn cuts down on the data entry error that invariably occurs when a large amount of data is
entered during campaigns.
Directions
1. Download the MiniVAN app from the iOS or Android application store
2. Log in using your existing VoteBuilder User ID and Password
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Paid for by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin – Mike Tate – Chair.
3. Select the appropriate database for your sheet (MyVoters or MyCampaign)
Now there are two ways you can get a list onto MiniVan. Entering in the list number of an
already printed walk list OR export a list from Votebuilder’s website. First we will go over
entering in the list number. Steps 4A-5A.
4A. Click on “List #”. Enter the canvass walk sheet number of your previously printed walk list
located on the bottom of the walk list.
5A. Verify the number of people and doors on the list against the number on the walk list
Now we will go over exporting a list from Votebuilder:
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4B. After you’ve created the universe you want to knock, from you “My List” page click on
“MiniVAN”
5B. Enter in the “List Name”, which is whatever you want to call the list, the “MiniVAN Format”
which should always be “Default MiniVAN Format”, “Contacted How” should be “Walk”, “Script
Options” should be “Choose a Script for Everyone in the List” then pick the script you want to
use. This should be the one you use for paper canvasses too. Finally, choose the canvasser you
want to send the list to. The canvasser needs to have a VAN account for them to receive the
list. Then send it away by clicking ”Export”.
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6B. The list should appear when you login. Click on the list
6. Download the list
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7. Hit View List
8. Select the list view that you prefer:
Houses
People
Map
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9. From “Houses” view, select the address and then the individual at that address being
interacted with.
OR From “People” view, select the person that is about to be canvassed/called.
o This brings up the individual’s profile screen.
o From “Map” view, select the pin that corresponds to the address you intend to
canvass/call, and then select the person you spoke with. Note that the map may
not always correctly represent the location of the address. For this reason,
canvassers are discouraged from using map view, especially in rural areas.
10. Attempt to canvass/call the individual
11A. IF not canvassed, select “Status” and then select the correct status (Not Home, Deceased,
Inaccessible, Moved, Etc.)
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11B. IF canvassed, select “Script” (at the bottom of the screen).
This pulls up available questions.
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11C. Select a question and the responses to that question will appear. Select the canvassed
individual’s response. Repeat until all questions have been answered.
12. Once all individuals on the list have been canvassed and their responses entered, go to the
“Sync” tab (Available from the list summary page)
13. You will be asked to log in to VoteBuilder again and select the appropriate database.
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14. Select which of the 4 options you would like to use (Sync and Remove is the most common).
At this point, your data has been submitted but NOT committed to the voterfile. It has NOT
been entered into the Votefile.
To commit MiniVAN data to the voterfile, log in to VoteBuilder, go to the correct database tab
and click on “MiniVAN”.
Select your list from the “Pending” data and commit it.
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Now your data is in the voterfile and you’re ready to keep on knocking!
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