The power of handwritten mail
Independent research found handwritten postcards raise turnout by 1.3 percentage points among voters who get one.
Write alongside neighbors at a local Chicago-area postcard party.
Cards go to infrequent Democratic voters in swing districts who need a reminder.
Grassroots mail makes the difference
When battlegrounds are decided by less than one percentage point, personal outreach moves the needle.
How a postcard party works
Just show up: the host brings the cards, voter addresses, and scripts.
Pick a Chicago-area postcard party below and sign up. Hosts provide pre-printed postcards, voter addresses, and approved scripts.
Handwrite the short campaign message clearly in blue or black pen. Add a warm, personal sentence on why voting matters to you.
Cards are held until the coordinated mail date so they land in voter mailboxes right as voting begins.
What to write on a postcard to voters
Start with the message your host provides, then add one warm sentence of your own.
Postcard writing tips
- Use the required message first. Copy the exact wording your host provides, including any dates or candidate names, then add your personal line.
- Greet them by first name. “Hi Maria!” reads like a note from a neighbor, not junk mail.
- Keep it positive and short. Say why voting matters to you. Skip attacks on candidates and anything you can’t back up.
- Write neatly in blue or black ink and sign with your first name only.
Upcoming postcard parties & meetups
Week of October 12
Winnetka Postcard Party
Mon Oct 12 · 10:30 AM
New Trier Dems
Write postcards to swing states
Uptown Postcard Party
PostcardPalooza with Pizza! Part 2
Oak Park Postcard Party
Tue Oct 13 · 6:00 PM
Democratic Party of Oak Park
Postcarding Party with the Democratic Party of Oak Park
Postcards to Swing States FAQs
Common questions about postage, addresses, scripts, and mailing deadlines.
How do postcards to swing states help win elections?
Handwritten postcards from volunteers create a tangible, personal connection that cuts through commercial junk mail. Studies show that friendly, personalized handwritten reminders sent to low-propensity Democratic voters shortly before election day significantly boost voter turnout.
Where are postcard parties held in Chicago?
Local Democratic groups host postcard parties across Chicagoland, with recent ones in Lincoln Square, Uptown, Oak Park, and Winnetka. Upcoming parties are listed on this page; pick one near you and sign up on Mobilize.
Do I need to bring anything to a postcard party?
No. Postcard parties are hosted by local Chicago-area Democratic groups (like New Trier Dems and the Democratic Party of Oak Park), and hosts provide the postcards, voter addresses, and approved message scripts. Just bring a blue or black pen if you have a favorite.
What are the rules and guidelines for writing postcards to voters?
Write clearly and legibly in blue or black pen, follow the script or talking points provided at the party, and avoid partisan vitriol. Completed cards are held until the designated mail date so they arrive right as voting begins.
Do I have to pay for postcard stamps myself?
It depends on the host. Many local Chicago ward organizations and partner groups provide pre-stamped cards or postage at their postcard parties; check the event details on Mobilize when you sign up.
Ready to take action in person or by phone?
Join a weekend canvass carpool to knock doors in Wisconsin or jump on a virtual phone bank from home.