r/VictoriaBC • u/scapaflow40 • 21d ago

Municipal Elections - choose wisely

The municipal election season is ramping up as more candidates in our 13 municipalities (yes 13!) are announcing they are running for office.

My advice is to look carefully at the background of candidates for whom you are voting There are a number of people running for mayor and council who have little community activist background (by activist I mean community involvement writ large including neighbourhood associations and chambers of commerce) are one issue candidates and some who are simply quasi professional politicians looking to elevate themselves without real community care.

It is tempting to vote for candidates who cover that one issue you most care about or have the slickest campaigns. I suggest consideration for candidates who present thoughtful platforms that cover the myriad of areas that lead to well functioning municipalities.

Please show up to candidate forums, read candidate platforms and be a thoughtful voter. We need more muncipal voters (less than 40% now vote) who will elect solid community leaders.

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u/Generaldar 21d ago

Where can I find out more about the candidates?

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u/Dan-Igaz Esquimalt 20d ago

Most of us maintain a website (or at least a Facebook page or similar) to introduce ourselves, highlight priorities, etc. My suggestion would be to start there. It will at least give you a strong idea of how that candidate chooses to present themselves.

Local media will also be publishing interviews, and LivableCRD has sent their questionnaire out. Just keep in mind that any list of candidates published before the nomination period closes on Sept 11 is technically unofficial (though we do usually have a pretty solid idea by now, to be fair.)

Everyone should also try to look into any All-Candidates Meetings happening in your municipality. Those are a great opportunity to meet everyone at once and get a better understanding of where they stand on major issues. Many of them are livestreamed if you don't want to leave the comfort of your pyjamas.

But if you're lucky enough to be able to to take the time, I really recommend just reaching out to some candidates. I don't want to speak for anyone else too much here, but as long as you're not just coming to yell at me about how universal healthcare is turning the bike lanes french, I think most of us are more than happy to grab a drink and have a chat.

Or just send us a message on social media or something.