The big question is do you need a permit to canvass? It’s the question that comes up the most, but it’s also the one there’s no definite answer for. 
It depends on where you’re canvassing. There is no state level law requiring permits (other than Delaware) so it’s handled at the local levels and every city, township or municipality handles it entirely their way. Often it’s handled by the city on an “as needed” basis therefore making it difficult.
There are horror stories of police being called, showing up and carting canvassers away in hand cuffs, but this is the extreme. It’s important to know that cities and municipalities can regulate it, but home owners associations within specific neighborhoods can ban canvassing all together. This is where you can get into the most hot water.
The best course of action is to do your homework on the towns and neighborhoods you’ll canvass. It’s a pain to have to research all that information, but I guarantee if you do you’ll be more informed than anyone. I’m not giving legal advice here, but remember we’re not soliciting. By definition soliciting is the act of selling and we’re not selling the products and services we represent. We’re canvassing to set appointments.
I recently interviewed attorney DS Berenson who specializes in matters of law with regard to the home improvement industry. According to Mr. Berenson there are exemptions to the anti-knock laws with regard to how you’re presenting yourself and who you’re representing. The lettering of the law states that as canvassers we can be licensed and regulated, but there are exemptions that can benefit us.
The key is to know your areas and how you’re canvassing. Mr. Berenson was a guest on my Silver Level Membership Telecoaching call last week. It was available to all Silver, Gold and Platinum level members. Mr. Berenson gave us extremely important information on the call, too much for me to elaborate here, plus I’m not an attorney and the legal stuff is best left to the experts, like Mr. Berenson.
I think the call is important to everyone canvassing. If you’re not a member of my Silver, Gold or Platinum level coaching, visit by CanvassKing Silver Level Membership to discover the benefits of each level of coaching. If you decide one is right for you, simply enroll. If you decide none of them are right for you, you’re welcome to continue your free subscription to my e-letters.