knock and build 2025
A 501C4 project of Seed the Vote Action
Bakersfield, CA (CA-22)
Join us to Knock and Build
It's time for us to do something bold and different...
- We need to start talking to people long before elections.
- We need to have real conversations that involve deeply listening to people’s concerns.
- And we can’t take working class voters for granted.
That’s why Seed the Vote Action will be working with the Dolores Huerta Action Fund in Bakersfield, CA to launch a new kind of phonebanking and canvassing program this summer/fall - one that will lay the groundwork to flip a critical House seat here in 2026.
What's the Plan?
We’ll be calling and knocking the doors of working-class voters who are likely “on the fence.” We’ll be using deep canvass methods - shown by research to be an incredibly effective form of canvassing - to ask strategic questions about how people are thinking about politics. We’ll be listening deeply to hear what folks care about most, and using what we learn to develop more effective ways of persuading people. All of this work will set us up to have more impactful conversations during the 2026 primaries and fall midterm elections.
Why Bakersfield?
Bakersfield is home to a large community of immigrants, working-class people, and people who will be severely impacted by the healthcare and SNAP cuts contained in the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill. In CA-22, 68% of people are enrolled in Medicaid - the highest rate in the entire country, and the highest rate by far among districts represented by Republicans. We know that immigrants and working-class communities deserve better, and that this seat is considered one of the most flippable in the country. That’s why we’re investing in Bakersfield early, to build the groundwork for 2026.
How can I get involved?
- To phonebank: sign up HERE.
- To canvass: Fill out our intake form, to tell us what dates you are going.
- To learn more first, check out out doorknocking guide HERE.
- We are especially looking for bilingual Spanish speakers, but Spanish language skills are not required.
Phonebanking: Aug 18-Sept 6
**We are requiring that all phonebanking volunteers commit to a minimum of 3 phonebanks**. We are using deep canvassing methods, which require more training and practice. You also will need to join at least one of the following phonebanks: Aug 18, Aug 20, or Aug 26 when we offer a full training for new phonebankers.
- Monday, Aug 18th 5-8 pm PT (full training available)
- Wednesday, Aug 20th 5-8pm PT (full training available)
- Tuesday, Aug 26th 5-8pm PT (full training available)
- Thursday, Aug 28th 5-8pm PT
- Tuesday, Sept 2nd 5-8pm PT
- Saturday, Sept 6th 3-6pm PT
Sign up HERE to phonebank.
Canvassing: Oct 3 - Oct 12
**Canvassers must stay for a minimum of 3 full days**. We can offer financial support for hotels & rental cars for those who need it in order to doorknock, along with some support for travel to & from Bakersfield, depending on your length of stay. Prior approval is needed for all financial support (before you book hotels or travel).
If you want to learn more before you fill out our intake form, check out our doorknocking guide, or email questions to info@seedthevote.org.
