David Schultz, a professor at Hamline University in Minnesota, discovered his passion for politics at a young age. At just 16, while living in upstate New York, he volunteered for his neighbor’s campaign for the local school board. This experience marked the beginning of his involvement in approximately 50 political campaigns over the years, highlighting the dedication of many Americans who actively contribute their time to support political candidates and causes.
According to Schultz, Americans demonstrate a higher level of volunteerism in politics compared to many other countries. He emphasizes the crucial role that volunteers play in the political landscape, stating, “Volunteers are still an enormously large aspect of American politics.” These dedicated individuals engage in various activities, such as making phone calls to voters, canvassing neighborhoods, enhancing social media outreach for campaigns, and even providing transportation to polling places.
Reflecting on his early campaign experiences, Schultz recalls enjoying the camaraderie and learning about the workings of American democracy while spending time in campaign offices. Despite the challenges faced by third-party candidates, such as limited organizational support or funding compared to the major parties, charismatic leaders have historically garnered support through enthusiastic volunteer efforts.
A notable example is H. Ross Perot’s 1992 presidential run, where he urged supporters to gather signatures and secure his registration on ballots across all 50 states. The grassroots movement successfully placed him on the ballot, although he did not win the election, capturing 19% of the popular vote without any electoral college votes.
Allan Lichtman, a history professor at American University, encourages his students to volunteer in campaigns to gain firsthand knowledge of the political process, particularly if they aspire to run for office in the future. He underscores the importance of civic involvement in shaping political life.
While federal candidates typically hire campaign staff, volunteers remain vital to many campaign efforts, as Schultz points out. Jacob Neiheisel, a political science professor at the University of Buffalo, notes that campaign volunteers bring passion and leverage their personal networks effectively.
Many Election Day workers at polling places are often volunteers or individuals earning a nominal fee, motivated by a desire to uphold the democratic process. Barbara Norrander, an emeritus professor of government at the University of Arizona, believes that increased participation in various forms is beneficial for government health.