Palm Cards vs Walk Cards and Why Using the Right One Matters

Palm cards and walk cards are often confused, especially by first time campaigns. They look similar, but they serve very different purposes.

Understanding the difference makes field programs more efficient and conversations more natural.

Palm cards are for voters

Palm cards are designed to be handed to voters. They introduce the candidate, highlight key issues, and include a way to learn more. They should be visually clean, friendly, and easy to read. Their job is to support the relationship between voter and candidate.

Walk cards are for volunteers

Walk cards guide the canvasser. They include talking points, reminders, and space to record information. They are not designed to be handed out. They exist to keep conversations consistent and organized.

Why mixing them up causes problems

When campaigns try to use one card for both purposes, neither job is done well. Volunteers lose guidance and voters receive cluttered materials. Separating the two improves clarity on both sides of the door.

Regional impact

In high-volume areas like Northern Virginia, efficiency matters.

Using the right tool reduces time per door.

In Hampton Roads and Richmond, walk cards help volunteers maintain consistency across longer routes.

Closing thought

Palm cards and walk cards are simple tools, but using them correctly makes field operations smoother and more effective.