Canvass Results

Canvass results tend to be an area where it is critical to provide a detailed training for both staff and volunteers on the meaning of each canvass result code. Inconsistent result selection and entry could lead to, for example, good phone numbers being marked bad or people being knocked out of universes in which they should remain. Results in the table below are not comprehensive, but highlight common codes and a few common mistakes, particularly when using Disconnected and Deceased. 


Canvass Result

Meaning

Busy (BZ)

Busy signal when the call is placed.

Call Back (CB)

Someone answered; the person on the list was not available to speak at the time.

 Not Home (NH)

The person was not home, did not speak on the phone or there was no answer.

 Spanish (SP)

The person does not speak English, but states that they speak Spanish.

 Wrong Number (WN)

The caller is told the listed person is not at the number.

 Disconnected (DSC or WX)

If the number is disconnected or not in service.

 Moved (MV)

The person no longer resides at the listed address.

If a new address is collected and a survey question is answered, please do not mark Moved. Enter a new address instead and mark the appropriate survey questions.

Refused (RF)

The person on your list refuses to answer your questions.

Do not mark this if someone else says the person refuses, if you do not identify who who picked up, or if someone hangs up without answering. Saying no to a volunteer is best marked by a "Volunteer: No" survey response.

Other Language (LG)

The person states that they don’t speak English or Spanish.

Left Message (LM)

In most cases it's better to move on and call the next person rather than leave a message, but they should be left when making confirmation calls for an event.

Deceased (DC, XX, or DEAD)

The person has passed away. DC does not stand for Declined or Disconnected. If you ever see it marked more than once on a single call sheet, check with the person who made the calls – this response is rare, and entering questionable deceased responses should be avoided.

Inaccessible (IN)

If you were physically unable to reach the door due to factors out of your control – for example, the door was in a gated community.