That is a tough nut to crack.
Some experts expect only 30 - 35% of eligible voters to participate in the upcoming election (
link).
However, municipal elections offer the citizen the most direct way to become involved in politics.
Certainly this years Mayors race has such a broad spectrum of candidates that no person can truly claim that all candidates suck.
Internet access removes barriers to become informed about candidate's platforms (at least for those candidates who bother to prepare them).
Apathy is still a major problem that will hurt some candidates more than others.
Here is how i have them handicapped:
Higgins: Best name recognition, and currently polling in the lead; however I suspect that she will have the lowest 'follow-through' level of any of the candidates.
McIver: Very good name recognition and strong appeal to voters with similar priorities; his poll respondent's 'follow through' should be better than Barb, but won't be great.
Hehr/Nenshi: Yes they are two separate candidates but have some key similarities - high level of appeal to politically involved/interested voters; low levels of name recognition but highly involved supporters (ie. high level of election day follow through). Will they be able to bridge the gap?
Other Candidates: A diverse bunch, but so far none have shown either broad name recognition or a focused base of support.
~Bug