I see alot of McIver signs still, but all others are down.
The problem with Muni elections is there is no party to vote for. At least in PRov and Fed elections, if I dont recognize a candidate, I can at least have an idea of where they probably stand on an issue by virtue of their party.
This is not the case in Muni, so the politicians know that people are generally dumb and will vote for a name they recognize over actually learning about the canadidate. This is why there are so many signs, he who has the most signs (exposure) will win.
Is that not what happened here? Nenshi was able to get his name out the most and won. Its not just signs, but all the junk mail that I got as well!
The printers sure made a lot of money this election and none of the candidates could take a green stance and not print as they would surely never get elected without that exposure.
I think the signs/junk mail strategy expose a huge hole in the election process. People are getting voted in (or staying Alderman) simply by having a bigger budget then the next guy.
That said Nenshi did not have the budget of McIver, he just mastered the basic principle using some less expensive mediums and engaging young voters who may have otherwise not voted.
Just my 88cents.
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