Although VAN serves many of your data needs, there may be some tools that you'd like to use to elevate your campaign's direct voter contact efforts. The tools listed in this article are completely optional and are not required for any campaign. Campaigns can do great work with the tools available within VAN. Always remember that the conversation itself with a voter is the number one priority for any campaign. In this article we will cover recommended tools, best practices, and additional resources! 


Be sure to check out our Shopping for a third party vendor guidelines if you are looking for a tech tool to integrate with VAN that is not listed below.

Recommended Tools


Texting Tools: VAN does not have a texting tool built in, but there are many additional tools that can help you to text voters. Currently there are shifts in regulations that may change political texting in the future. As always, it's important for campaigns to understand and be well informed on the legal restrictions on voter contact. The tools listed below are our recommendations based on their ability to integrate with VAN.


Autodialer Tools: There are additional autodialer tools that can help you to call voters. As always, it's important for campaigns to understand and be well informed on the legal restrictions on voter contact. The tools listed below are our recommendations!

  • VPBConnect (this tool is an add-on feature for VAN's VPB and you can email sales@ngpvan.org to get set up)
  • ThruTalk
  • CallHub


Event Tools: VAN does support event management through MyCampaign, and there are additional event tools that can help you to schedule voters. As always, it's important for campaigns to understand and be well informed on the legal restrictions on voter contact. The tools listed below are our recommendations!

Best Practices

   

The tool recommendations above all require an API Integration between the tool and VAN. Your committee admin should request an API key in VAN as one of the first steps in the tool set up. You can learn more about API Keys in our article API Key Request! Many tools will have a specific portal to share your API Key. However, if you ever need to share the key with another member of your committee, you should do so through a secure platform. You should fully set up your tool 1-3 business days before you start utilizing the tool. That will give you appropriate time to receive your API Key from VAN, share it with the tool, and make sure all information is moving between the tools.


In general, campaigns and organizing units should think about their data security. You should ensure that folks on your team are utilizing a password manager with strong passwords for both campaign and personal accounts. Once you have used a file for your desired purpose, make sure to delete the file from you computer. Always make sure to lock your computer and accounts when stepping away. When receiving emails from unknown senders, avoid clicking links and make sure the sender's email matches their signature. These small steps can add up to a more secure campaign data infrastructure. 


Beyond getting set up with tools, you should make sure to attend DFL Data Trainings. Our trainings cover ActionNetwork, VAN, and advanced data practices. If you're a beginner or a returner, trainings can help you get more out of the tools we offer. More on our training schedules and how to sign up can be found here: 2023 DFL Data Training Schedule.



Questions or feedback? Please email us at voterfile@dfl.org


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