Political Campaign Photography: Doorknocking with Megan Srinivas

Megan Srinivas recording notes in her canvassing app

Knocking on doors is both my favorite way to help a campaign and venue for political campaign photography. Lots of handshakes and smiles, plus fresh air and movement is way better than a stuffy podium or grip-and-grin session.

Dr. Megan Srinivas is an infectious disease doctor, a friend of mine and my wife’s, and a candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives in my district. I had considered running for this seat myself after current Representative Bruce Hunter announced he was retiring after 20 years in the legislature but, as I announced on Twitter, decided against it after Megan announced she was interested. (Third tweet down in the thread.)

Since @LauraRBelin asked and it’s in print now, I’ll talk about it. I had been condsidering, with the encouragement of friends and people I respect, of running for the #IAlegis since Rep. Hunter is retiring. 🧵

TL;DR – not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent at this juncture.
— Greg Hauenstein (@greghauenstein) December 6, 2021

The first hurdle in running for office is getting your name on the ballot. You need signatures of registered voters who live in that district and you need them in early so the county auditors can make sure they’re valid. This is a great opportunity for candidates and their supporters to make their first pass on the doors in the district if they haven’t already.

So we enlisted some supporters, bundled up, met up for coffee and training at Panera Bread on Fleur, and hit the bricks.

A woman sticks a Megan Srinivas for Iowa House sign to a wall

Megan Srinivas, candidate for Iowa House, hugs a supporter at an event.

A row of clipboards with campaign literature pinned to them

Dr. Megan Srinivas helps volunteers set up their canvassing app

A person holding a smartphone as their canvassing app opens

Two volunteers look over door knocking lists

Megan Srinivas speaking with supporters before a canvass

Megan Srinivas speaking with a man on his doorstep

Megan Srinivas speaking with a woman on her doorstep

Megan had great conversations on the doors about increasing Iowa’s minimum wage so full-time workers can make ends meet, fully funding public schools (way above the paltry 2.5% increase from the Republican-controlled legislature that doesn’t even cover cost of living increases), and victims’ rights.

We both remarked how we were a bit rusty at this since we hadn’t been out knocking on doors since before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Even though it was a bit nippy it felt good to both get exercise and meet the people in our neighborhood.