Definition of canvasses:
(v) :
(transitive, figuratively) (specifically, politics) To seek the support of (voters or a constituency) in a forthcoming election or poll through personal solicitation or public addresses.
(v) :
(transitive, figuratively) To seek or solicit donations, information, opinions, support, etc. from (people or a place)
(v) :
(intransitive) To seek or solicit donations, information, opinions, support, etc.; to conduct a survey.
(v) :
(intransitive) (specifically, politics) To seek the support of voters or a constituency in a forthcoming election or poll; to campaign.
(v) :
(transitive, figuratively) To thoroughly examine or investigate (something) physically or by discussion; to debate, to gather opinion, to scrutinize.
(v) :
(intransitive) To debate, to discuss.