A Revolution in Canvassing Among Voters

By KRISTEN McQUEARY

When political candidates ring doorbells this election season, the people who answer should not be surprised if the stranger on the stoop seems particularly intuitive.

Technology is allowing candidates — many for the first time — to log into voter databases from their cellphones. The combination of data mining and hand-held connectivity gives canvassers instant access to files that may include details about voters’ political leanings, voting history and even magazine subscriptions.

“I think it’s fabulous,” said Robert Martwick of Norridge, a Democratic candidate for state representative. “In the old days, we went door to door with a poll sheet, and you basically knocked on a door, and you had no idea who you were about to talk to.”