Canvassing to empty houses: knocking on doors in the smart doorbell era

Smart doorbells have transformed the way door-to-door campaigning is taking place. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Since their debut just over a decade ago, smart doorbells have been a revelation for anyone interested in home security and, though most won’t admit it, being a bit nosey. They’ve also transformed door knocking for political canvassers.

While doorbell camera footage of passersby pilfering packages or behaving badly can be found all over the internet, spare a thought for those campaigning for the country’s future.