10 High-Converting GOTV Texting Scripts for Maximum Voter Turnout

Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) texting is one of the highest-impact activities a campaign can run. A well-executed GOTV text program can boost turnout by 2-4 percentage points - often the margin between winning and losing.

But not all GOTV messages are created equal. Generic reminders ("Don't forget to vote!") underperform dramatically compared to personalized, actionable messages that provide specific information and remove barriers to voting.

After analyzing millions of GOTV messages across thousands of campaigns, we've identified the scripts that consistently drive the highest turnout. These 10 battle-tested templates are ready to use - just personalize with your campaign details.

What Makes a GOTV Script "High-Converting"?

Before diving into specific scripts, understand what separates effective GOTV messages from weak ones.

Key Elements of Effective GOTV Scripts

1. Personalization

• Use voter's first name
• Reference their voting history if available
• Include their specific polling location

2. Actionable Information

• Exact polling place address
• Polling hours
• ID requirements (if applicable)
• Early voting locations and times

3. Urgency and Motivation

• Create time pressure
• Explain why this election matters
• Connect to voter's values

4. Clear Call to Action

• What should they do (vote)
• When (exact date/time)
• Where (specific location)
• How (step-by-step if needed)

5. Two-Way Engagement

• Invite replies
• Offer to answer questions
• Provide help if needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Generic messages: "Don't forget to vote tomorrow!"

• ✅ Specific messages: "Hi Sarah! Your polling place is Lincoln Elementary at 123 Oak St, open 7 AM-8 PM tomorrow."

• ❌ No personalization: Mass-blasted identical messages

• ✅ Personalized: Name, location, voting history referenced

• ❌ One-way broadcasting: Send and forget

• ✅ Two-way conversation: Invite and answer questions

The 10 High-Converting GOTV Scripts

Script #1: The Standard GOTV Reminder (Election Day Morning)

Use case: Election Day morning reminder to all supporters

Timing: Tuesday, 7-9 AM (polls opening)

Script:

Good morning {FirstName}! Today's the day - Election Day! Your polling place is {PollingLocation} at {PollingAddress}, open until {PollingCloseTime}. Can we count on your vote for {CandidateName}? Reply with any questions!

Why it works:

• Personalized with name and specific location
• Provides essential information (location, hours)
• Creates personal connection ("Can we count on your vote?")
• Invites engagement

Dynamic fields:

• {FirstName}: Voter's first name
• {PollingLocation}: Specific polling place name
• {PollingAddress}: Full address
• {PollingCloseTime}: Closing time
• {CandidateName}: Your candidate

Performance benchmark:

• Response rate: 12-18%
• Estimated turnout lift: 2-3%

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Script #2: The Early Voting Push (Week Before Election)

Use case: Encourage early voting to lock in support

Timing: Monday-Friday, week before Election Day

Script:

Hi {FirstName}! Early voting is open now through {EarlyVotingEndDate}. Beat the Election Day rush! Your nearest early voting location is {EarlyVotingLocation} at {EarlyVotingAddress}, open {EarlyVotingHours}. Have you voted yet?

Why it works:

• Emphasizes convenience ("beat the rush")
• Provides multiple voting opportunities
• Creates urgency with end date
• Asks for confirmation

Dynamic fields:

• {EarlyVotingEndDate}: Last day of early voting
• {EarlyVotingLocation}: Nearest early vote site
• {EarlyVotingAddress}: Full address
• {EarlyVotingHours}: Hours (e.g., "M-F 8 AM-5 PM, Sat 9 AM-3 PM")

Performance benchmark:

• Response rate: 15-20%
• Early voting utilization: 8-12%

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Script #3: The Low-Propensity Voter (Maximum Personalization)

Use case: Reach voters who rarely vote but are registered supporters

Timing: Sunday before Election Day

Script:

Hi {FirstName}! This election is really important, and we need your help. {CandidateName} is fighting for {KeyIssue}, and your vote can make the difference. Polls at {PollingLocation} are open 7 AM-8 PM Tuesday. Voting takes just 10 minutes. Can I answer any questions to make it easier for you?

Why it works:

• Acknowledges importance (not generic)
• Connects to voter values ({KeyIssue})
• Emphasizes quick/easy ("just 10 minutes")
• Offers direct help

Dynamic fields:

• {KeyIssue}: Issue that resonates with this segment (healthcare, climate, economy)

Performance benchmark:

• Response rate: 10-14%
• Turnout lift among low-propensity voters: 4-6%

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Script #4: The Polling Location Finder

Use case: Voters who may not know where to vote

Timing: Monday night before Election Day

Script:

Hi {FirstName}! Election Day is tomorrow. Need to find your polling place? Reply with your address and I'll look it up for you! Already know? Great - polls at {PollingLocation} are open 7 AM-8 PM. See you there!

Why it works:

• Removes barrier (finding polling place)
• Offers real-time help
• Still provides info if they already know
• Personal touch

Volunteer response when voter replies with address:

Thanks! Your polling place is {PollingLocation} at {PollingAddress}. Open 7 AM-8 PM tomorrow. Need directions? Here's the Google Maps link: {MapsLink}. Let me know if you have other questions!

Performance benchmark:

• Response rate: 18-25%
• Info requests: 5-8%

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Script #5: The Social Proof Message

Use case: Leverage peer influence and community turnout

Timing: Election Day afternoon (12-3 PM)

Script:

Hi {FirstName}! Turnout in {Precinct} is at {TurnoutPercent}% already - your neighbors are voting in record numbers! Don't miss out. Polls at {PollingLocation} are open until 8 PM. Have you voted yet?

Why it works:

• Social proof creates pressure to participate
• Community identity ("your neighbors")
• FOMO effect ("don't miss out")
• Checks in on status

Dynamic fields:

• {Precinct}: Voter's precinct name
• {TurnoutPercent}: Current turnout (or estimated/aspirational figure)

Performance benchmark:

• Response rate: 14-19%
• Afternoon/evening turnout boost: 1-2%

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Script #6: The "Bring a Friend" Mobilization

Use case: Multiply impact by having voters bring others

Timing: Monday night before Election Day

Script:

Hi {FirstName}! Tomorrow's Election Day. Voting with a friend? Studies show people who vote together are more likely to actually do it! Who will you bring with you to {PollingLocation}? Polls open 7 AM-8 PM.

Why it works:

• Doubles impact (voter + friend)
• Social commitment increases follow-through
• Evidence-based ("studies show")
• Creates accountability

Performance benchmark:

• Response rate: 11-16%
• Voters who bring others: 6-9%

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Script #7: The Last-Minute Urgency Push

Use case: Final push for voters who haven't confirmed yet

Timing: Election Day evening (5-7 PM)

Script:

{FirstName} - polls close in {HoursRemaining} hours! If you haven't voted yet, now's the time. {PollingLocation} at {PollingAddress} is open until 8 PM sharp. Every vote matters! Need help getting there? Just reply.

Why it works:

• Extreme urgency (hours left)
• Specific countdown
• Emphasizes importance ("every vote matters")
• Offers last-minute assistance

Dynamic fields:

• {HoursRemaining}: Calculate based on send time

Performance benchmark:

• Response rate: 8-12%
• Last-minute turnout: 0.5-1%

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Script #8: The Absentee Ballot Follow-Up

Use case: Ensure absentee/mail ballots are returned

Timing: 3 days before ballot deadline

Script:

Hi {FirstName}! Have you mailed your absentee ballot yet? The deadline is {BallotDeadline} - ballots must be received (not just postmarked) by then. Drop it in the mail today, or drop it off at {DropBoxLocation}. Need help? Reply and I'll assist!

Why it works:

• Critical for absentee voters (often forget)
• Clarifies deadline (received, not postmarked)
• Provides drop-off alternative
• Offers real help

Dynamic fields:

• {BallotDeadline}: Actual deadline date
• {DropBoxLocation}: Nearest drop box location

Performance benchmark:

• Response rate: 16-22%
• Ballot return rate increase: 8-12%

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Script #9: The ID Requirement Clarification

Use case: States with voter ID laws

Timing: Monday night before Election Day

Script:

Hi {FirstName}! Reminder: {StateName} requires ID to vote. Accepted IDs include driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Don't have one? You can still vote with a provisional ballot. Polls at {PollingLocation} are open 7 AM-8 PM tomorrow. Questions? Just reply!

Why it works:

• Removes confusion/fear about ID
• Lists specific acceptable IDs
• Provides fallback option (provisional)
• Reduces "forgot ID" barrier

Dynamic fields:

• {StateName}: Voter's state

Performance benchmark:

• Response rate: 13-18%
• Reduces ID-related problems: 40-50%

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Script #10: The "Thank You for Voting" Confirmation

Use case: After voter confirms they voted

Timing: Real-time response after voter confirms

Script:

That's amazing, {FirstName}! Thank you for voting and making your voice heard. This is how democracy works - one voter at a time. Can you help us reach more voters? Share this voting info with 3 friends: {ShareableLink}. Together we win!

Why it works:

• Positive reinforcement
• Celebrates their action
• Recruits them to recruit others
• Amplifies impact

Performance benchmark:

• Sharing rate: 5-10%
• Additional voters reached per sharer: 1-2

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Segmentation Strategies: Matching Scripts to Voters

Don't send the same message to everyone. Segment your universe and use appropriate scripts.

By Turnout Propensity

High-propensity voters (vote in every election):

• Use Scripts #1, #6, #10
• Focus: Brief reminder, social mobilization, thank you

Medium-propensity voters (vote in presidential/midterm):

• Use Scripts #1, #2, #5, #7
• Focus: Motivation, convenience, urgency

Low-propensity voters (rarely vote):

• Use Scripts #3, #4, #9
• Focus: Maximum personalization, remove barriers, provide help

By Voting Method

In-person voters:

• Use Scripts #1, #4, #5, #6, #7, #9

Early voters:

• Use Script #2

Absentee/mail voters:

• Use Script #8

By Demographics

Young voters (18-29):

• Emphasize ease and speed ("takes 10 minutes")
• Use casual tone
• Highlight issues they care about (climate, student debt)

Seniors (65+):

• Provide detailed information
• Offer assistance
• Use respectful tone

Working parents:

• Emphasize evening hours
• Note that kids are welcome at polls
• Provide flexible options (early voting)

Timing Your GOTV Sequence

Don't send just one message. Use a multi-touch sequence for maximum impact.

Recommended GOTV Timeline

10 days before Election Day:

• Script #2 (Early voting push)

Sunday before Election Day:

• Script #3 (Low-propensity voter motivation)

Monday night before Election Day:

• Script #6 (Bring a friend) or Script #9 (ID requirement)

Tuesday morning, 7-9 AM (Election Day):

• Script #1 (Standard GOTV reminder)

Tuesday afternoon, 12-3 PM:

• Script #5 (Social proof)

Tuesday evening, 5-7 PM:

• Script #7 (Last-minute urgency)

After voter confirms:

• Script #10 (Thank you + share)

For absentee voters, 3 days before deadline:

• Script #8 (Absentee ballot follow-up)

Customization Tips

Make these scripts your own:

1. Add candidate-specific messaging:

"Sarah Johnson is fighting for healthcare and good-paying jobs. Your vote matters!"

2. Localize to your race:

"This school board election determines our kids' future. Don't sit this one out."

3. Reference current events:

"After last week's debate, momentum is on our side. Let's finish strong!"

4. Adjust tone to your brand:

• Formal campaigns: More professional language
• Grassroots campaigns: More casual, conversational

5. Test variations:

• A/B test different scripts
• Measure response and turnout rates
• Double down on winners

Platform Features for GOTV Success

To use these scripts effectively, your platform needs:

Must-have features:

• ✅ Dynamic field insertion ({FirstName}, {PollingLocation})
• ✅ Segmentation (turnout propensity, voting method)
• ✅ Scheduled sending (time zone awareness)
• ✅ Two-way conversation management
• ✅ Volunteer assignment and queue management
• ✅ Real-time analytics

Political Comms provides:

• All dynamic fields and customization
• Advanced segmentation
• Automated scheduling
• Full conversation threading
• Volunteer performance tracking
• Comprehensive analytics

The Bottom Line

High-converting GOTV scripts share these characteristics:

• ✅ Personalized: Name, location, voting history
• ✅ Actionable: Specific info (where, when, how)
• ✅ Urgent: Create time pressure
• ✅ Conversational: Invite engagement
• ✅ Helpful: Offer assistance

Use these 10 scripts to:

• Boost turnout by 2-4 percentage points
• Remove voter barriers
• Create personal connections
• Win close elections

Segment your outreach:

• High/medium/low propensity voters
• In-person/early/absentee voters
• Demographics (age, location)

Time your sequence:

• Start with early voting (10 days out)
• Multiple Election Day touchpoints
• Follow up with confirmed voters

Over 2,000 campaigns use Political Comms to execute winning GOTV programs with these proven scripts, dynamic personalization, and real-time engagement.

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Ready to run a winning GOTV program? Get started with Political Comms today.

Need help customizing these scripts? Contact our team - we'll help you optimize for maximum turnout.