What to Print First When Launching a Field Program in Virginia

One of the most common questions early campaigns ask is simple: what do we print first?

With limited budgets and limited time, printing decisions can feel overwhelming. But most Virginia campaigns benefit from starting with the same core materials that support field work immediately.

Start with what volunteers need at the door

The first goal of a field program is conversations. That means volunteers need tools that support introductions and guide interactions.

The most useful early materials are:

Palm cards for voters

Walk cards for volunteers

A simple yard sign design

These three items allow canvassing, events, and early visibility to begin without delay.

Why palm cards come first

Palm cards introduce the candidate, establish the message, and give voters something to keep. They are lightweight, affordable, and versatile.

They work at doors, events, early voting lines, and community gatherings. Most importantly, they let volunteers close conversations naturally.

Walk cards create consistency

Walk cards help volunteers stay on message and collect accurate information. They reduce guesswork and make training easier.

Campaigns that skip walk cards often rely too heavily on memory, which leads to inconsistent conversations and data errors.

Early signs support recognition

Even a small batch of yard signs helps establish presence. Signs reinforce what voters hear at the door and make campaigns feel real earlier.

In Northern Virginia especially, early signs help candidates stand out in crowded races.

Closing thought

You do not need everything printed at once. But you do need the basics early. Printing core field materials first gives your campaign momentum and structure from the start.