Workers Say They Were Cheated and Threatened as Part of Elon Musk’s Get-Out-the-Vote Effort
Video from inside the van shows the difficult journey, with a cage separating many of the Black Door knockers from their driver. The driver also told the caller that he was in pain and had trouble driving: “I just had surgery, bro,” said the U-Haul driver in another recording obtained by WIRED. “Like part of my foot is cut off.”
“I’m scared,” answered the door knocker who spoke to WIRED on the recording.
“And everything [the manager] is worried about how many doors this victim has found for my mother,” answered the driver.
Campaigners are then separated about 40 minutes from each other, relying on a mobile app to enter their communications at the front doors.
In the contract agreement reviewed by WIRED, the knockers were given specific “operational instructions” and the authority to “keep the GPS functionality of their personal device activated during all working hours.” Each knock on the door must be done in 15 seconds or less, and contractors “must stay in place for at least 30 seconds.”
The Campaign Sidekick app used by America PAC has severe limitations in its functionality, including the lack of a geo-tracking feature—hence the requirement that campaigners leave GPS services on for personal activity at all times, according to a contract reviewed by WIRED— forcing them to use “offline travel books,” a function of America PAC’s app, that don’t offer GPS support or real-time upload capabilities.
While the group of door-knockers was being managed through Blitz Canvassing, screenshots shared with WIRED show America PAC listed on the mobile app they were using to knock on the doors.
“Recommended clothing includes a red polo shirt with khaki pants or jeans, and closed-toe shoes,” the contract’s “clothing” section reads. “Dressing with graffiti, writing, or ripped jeans/shorts is not allowed.”
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