A woman named Amanda Otero, holding a clipboard, inquired Hoch about her intentions to vote in favor of a ballot measure that would replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a Department of Public Safety. Hoch immediately responded with a firm no, but was open to having a conversation. They ended up talking for nearly 20 minutes. Hoch, aged 35, expressed her belief that the proposed change would ultimately lead to failure. "It lacks depth," she said. She also had negative opinions about the police, as she knew individuals who had experienced mistreatment. Otero noted that they seemed to have similar beliefs. Hoch expressed frustration, stating that something was hindering genuine change. Otero, who holds the position of deputy director at TakeAction Minnesota, was attentive during the conversation. Finally, she inquired where Hoch would place herself on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 indicating complete support for the ballot measure. At the start, Hoch had identified herself as a three. However, she now identified as a five. This was an example of deep canvassing in action - a messy, indirect approach to convincing voters not with scripted arguments or literature, but by encouraging them to discuss their personal experiences and emotions. The ultimate objective is to gain voter support for a particular policy while also aiming to alter their perspectives in the long run, rather than just for one election or on one issue. In Minneapolis, the focus is on not only building support for the charter amendment to change the police department but also on prompting voters to reconsider the concept of law enforcement, especially in the city where Derek Chauvin, a former police officer, was convicted of murdering George Floyd. This event sparked a movement for racial justice. Deep canvassing, which involves exchanging personal stories and fostering empathy with those who have different perspectives, is seen as a slower, more thoughtful approach to activism in an age of rapid communication methods. While many political campaigns target individuals who already agree with their views, deep canvassing seeks to reach out to those who may need their minds changed in order to support a specific policy or candidate. Before heading out to engage with residents about a Minneapolis ballot measure on Oct 10, 2021, canvassers are given a briefing and split into groups. The goal of deep canvassing is to have in-depth conversations with voters, particularly those who may need to be convinced. Minneapolis serves as a crucial test case for those hoping to expand deep canvassing efforts nationwide, with the aim of not only changing minds on policy issues, but also rebuilding trust in the democratic process. Organizers aim to engage in deep canvassing by having extended conversations with voters, particularly focusing on those who may need convincing. Steve Deline, of the New Conversation Initiative, emphasizes the importance of creating a space for people to share their thoughts and feelings without judgment, in order to find common ground. This approach is seen as effective in persuading individuals who have not yet embraced progressive changes on issues like immigration, transgender rights, and policing. Deep canvassing involves lengthy discussions at the door that can leave both the canvasser and the voter feeling more open and understanding. According to George Goehl of People's Action, progressives have the ability to introduce important ideas into the national dialogue like never before. In order to achieve success, it is necessary to engage in discussions with individuals who have differing opinions. The process is demanding and costly, as training canvassers is time-consuming. The majority of voters do not open their doors, and those who strongly oppose may avoid talking to strangers at their door. In Minneapolis, a team of 60 volunteers and staff members have reached only 2,400 voters after visiting 6,900 homes and making 49,000 phone calls in a city of 2.9 million. Despite the challenges, this method of persuasion has proven to be successful. It originated from gay-rights activists in California in 2009 following the ban on same-sex marriage. Three years later, advocates in Minnesota used deep canvassing to help defeat a similar ban on same-sex marriage. Currently, this political strategy is mainly utilized by left-leaning activists. A study conducted in 2016 by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and Yale showed that deep canvassing in Miami and Los Angeles was effective in changing the opinions of some voters who were hesitant to support transgender rights. This was achieved by encouraging voters to reflect on their own experiences of discrimination. Canvassers from Take Action Minnesota are preparing to discuss a Minneapolis ballot measure on October 10, 2021. Take Action Minnesota is using deep canvassing as a strategy to connect with voters by knocking on doors. Goehl's group also employed deep canvassing by phone to sway rural white voters in swing states for Joe Biden in 2020, with data showing it was more effective than traditional canvassing. In 2021, Take Action Minnesota canvassers are discussing a Minneapolis ballot measure with residents, focusing on engaging voters through deep canvassing. The supporters of the charter amendment in Minneapolis are using deep canvassing to address racism and advocate for law enforcement reform, despite opponents reducing it to simply "defunding the police." Changing people's opinions on race requires genuine human interaction where people listen to truly understand, rather than just seeking confirmation. This process will not be quick or easy, but it is necessary. Despite lengthy conversations about the police issue, racism was not addressed in training sessions or discussions with voters. The observations revealed that most of the canvassers and voters were white. Some white voters expressed that they would be more inclined to support a measure if they knew it had the backing of the majority of Black voters. It was only as Otero was leaving the home of Hoch, the librarian, that Otero noticed a Black Lives Matter sign in the front window. Maybe she had not noticed an opportunity before. However, a pleasant surprise occurred when a woman sitting on the neighboring porch beckoned her over. This woman also had a Black Lives Matter sign displayed at the front of her house, as well as a sign with the word "love" written in various languages. Mary Scavotto introduced herself and mentioned that it was her birthday. Otero politely refused a slice of cake and began her presentation. Scavotto was well aware of the charter amendment. She expressed her concerns about the idea of completely changing everything without a plan. Having lived on the block for nearly two decades, Scavotto mentioned that she would leave Minneapolis if the measure was approved. She cited a gas station that burned down the previous summer as an example. She remembered how she and her neighbors were cautious about removing any items from their porch that could potentially be used to harm their homes. "We were prepared with our bags packed, gas in the tank, and ready to leave at any time," she recalled. Reflecting on the current situation, she expressed concern about the lack of police presence and its potential consequences. She mentioned that she no longer feels comfortable letting her children go out after dark. Agreeing with her, Otero pointed out that despite increased police funding, people do not feel any safer. She then shared her brother's mental health struggles and her mixed feelings towards law enforcement. Otero, a Latina woman, expressed her dilemma about whether she wants the police to arrest her brother in order for him to receive help. She also expressed concerns about him having a criminal record and if he would actually receive the help he needs. She shared her fear regarding her husband, an immigrant from Nicaragua, driving in Minneapolis. Scavotto, a white woman, listened attentively and acknowledged the lack of safety people of color feel with the police, emphasizing the need for reform. Otero expressed hope that more conversations like this would lead to greater understanding and clarity. "What do you believe would be necessary in Minneapolis for us to truly unite, regardless of age, race, class, or life experiences?" she inquired. "We are still coping with the aftermath of a traumatic year." "That's the ultimate question," Scavotto responded, with a nervous chuckle. "I'm struggling to even get along with my eight siblings at the moment." Reflecting on their conversation days later, Scavotto admitted that it had kept her awake that night. She noted how Otero had listened more than she had spoken, and she vowed to attend local forums to gain a better understanding of the charter amendment. She stated that she is not ready to change her vote at the moment, but mentioned that she is becoming more receptive to the idea.