Description

Abundant Housing Legalize Starter Home Ballot Committee

Canvasser Position Description

Context

This year, Abundant Housing MA created a ballot committee to support and promote ballot

question 7 also known as Legalize Starter Homes. The ballot initiative campaign is targeting one

of the most pressing shortages in the housing market: a lack of smaller homes intended for

first-time homebuyers, young families, and downsizing seniors. These homes are typically more

affordable, but are often prohibited by excessively large minimum residential lot sizes. Some

Massachusetts municipalities have minimum lot sizes up to 2 acres or more - larger than a World

Cup soccer field! That’s why Legalize Starter Homes, or Question 7 on the November 2026

ballot would allow for new starter homes on residential lots of at least 5,000 square feet, as long

as they have 50 feet of land bordering the street, and are served by municipal water and sewer.

Timeline

Accepting applications on a rolling basis through [Sep.15, 2026]. This is a short-term hourly

position with an expected end date of November 4, 2026.

Overview of Role

As a canvasser, you will walk door-to-door to talk to voters about this opportunity to address the

housing shortage in Massachusetts and make modest, smaller homes possible in our

communities. You will be responsible for having a certain number of conversations per day about

Question 7 and, importantly, helping voters make a plan to vote. If you’re committed to making

housing more affordable and attainable, we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities

In this position, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work door-to-door to talk to targeted community members about local housing issues.
• Track and report your conversations daily in a database system.
• Represent AHMA in the community!

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Comfortable with and enthusiastic about discussing topics related to Massachusetts politics and public policy (but you do not need to be a political expert). Must have the physical stamina to stand/walk for long periods (up to 5 hours per day) while meeting and talking to people.
• Availability for at least three 5-hour shifts per week
• Flexibility to work weekdays and weekends as needed
• Ability to memorize and recite provided scripts and statements
• Ability to collect information such as name, zip code, phone number, and/or email address
• Consistently meet daily and weekly conversation goals
• Understand how to use a tablet/phone to sign up for shifts and to track and submit data
• Excellent communication skills including active listening and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work within a team and independently
• Good time management skills to fulfill goals within a specific period
• Valid driver’s license, access to a car, or transportation (to get to shift) is required
• Smart phone required
• Candidates who are bilingual in English and either of the following languages are highly
• encouraged to apply:
  • Spanish
  • Portugues
  • Haitian Creole

Helpful Skills

• Previous experience with data entry and reporting functions
• Previous paid or volunteer canvass experience (including Census outreach work)
• Telemarketing or retail experience
• Social service or organizing experience