During a campaign, active supporters of a party ask voters who they will vote for and try to drum up support for their own candidates.

persuasion of voters in a political campaign

Canvassing is the systematic contacting of individuals in a target group, often in a particular geographic area. It is commonly used before or during elections by political campaigns. Similar techniques are used by non-governmental organizations, labor unions, churches, poll takers, and even commercial enterprises (such as encyclopedia or vacuum salespeople).

(1) Canvassing sellers: procedure whereby an estate agent contacts property owners for a mandate to sell their properties. (2) Canvassing purchasers: procedure whereby an estate agent enquire from a person whether he wishes to buy property, or a particular property.

Making telephone calls or visiting from door to door to seek prospective buyers or sellers; in the real estate business, generally associated with acquiring listings in a given area.

It means cold-calling at the prospect’s office or by telephone in order to arrange an appointment.