How Much Does Your Local Candidate Matter When You Vote?

October 4th, 2008, 8 Comments »

I voted today. Unfortunately, I’m going to be in the US on October 14. I voted for the Green Party, as I have done so in the last two (maybe three?) elections. For pretty much the same reasons. I have no expectation that my candidate will win, but I believe in supporting the party whose values most closely align with my own.

I’m not a big fan of strategic voting. Even if I was, I’m pretty sure that the Conservative candidate in Victoria has about as much chance as winning as, say, the Christian Heritage candidate. Er, that’s not technically accurate, but Victoria hasn’t elected a Tory since 1988. Besides, VoteForEnvironment suggests that I can take my pick.

Party or Person?

When voting, how much consideration do you give to your local candidate and how much do you give to the national party? I’ve asked this question before, and some thoughtful discussion resulted. Four years later, I can’t think of a good reason not to ask it again.

As I indicated, my choice skews heavily toward the party. Why?

  • I care more about national policy than local issues. I’m totally ambivalent about how my MP represents Victoria in Ottawa.
  • It’s kind of by default. I lived in Vancouver for many years. Can I describe even one of Hedy Fry’s accomplishments as my MP? Can you? I’m no political news junkie, but I think I’ve been as informed and well-read as the average Vancouverite over the past decade. It’s much easier for me to identify with a national party that holds particular values and positions, as opposed to my local MP whose accomplishments and goals I can’t imagine.

My perception of the party leader–of their competency and character–matters as well. Less than the party, but more than the local candidate.

How about you? Do you vote for the candidate or the party?

UPDATE: On a vaguely-related note, somebody sent me this video featuring local Vancouver candidates talking about their parties’ platforms on climate change.

UPDATE #2: Speaking of videos, I love the aesthetics of this one (thought its message could be clearer).

8 Comments »

Friday’s Totally Random Link Round-Up

September 12th, 2008, 6 Comments »

So many inputs, just one output:

  • First, a great idea from Springwise (a site I recently discovered when they wrote about DreamBank). IncSpring (no relation to Springwise, and, arg, the brand misspelling rages on unabated) is an online marketplace for unused brands. Back when we did more brand development for clients, we left a ton great design work on the cutting room floor. We could conceivably post some of that work on IncSpring.
  • Yet another greatest hits album from Sarah McLachlan. The hugely-popular singer has released just five albums of original material (plus one Christmas album of covers) in twenty years. On the other hand, Wikipedia lists 14 re-releases, ‘b-side’ albums, remixes, live concerts and so forth. As I’ve said before, she is extraordinarily mercantile with her meagre back catalog. Hilariously, Ms. McLachlan’s website claims that the new album features songs “personally selected by Sarah”. Not surprisingly, she chose all her hits.
  • Adam Saab is the Green Party candidate for Victoria. Here’s a Facebook page for him, and his MySpace page (he’s apparently also a musician). I looked, but couldn’t find his campaign website. I’m sure he’s pretty busy, but hopefully one is forthcoming. That seems like a priority.
  • Zoocasa looks like Canada’s Zillow. I like its functionality a lot, and that’s a fun (if slightly American-sounding) name. I expect they’re focusing on urban regions to start, as I just did a search for Pender Island and its listings were woeful (compare with, say, MLS.ca). I’ve got an email in to them about the comprehensiveness of their listings and when we might expect to see more exhaustive ones.
  • MyLifeofTravel emailed me about a contest they’re running. The prize: a trip around the world.
  • UPDATE: Via Gillian, I just watched the trailer for The Lucky Ones. Rachel McAdams: hottest Iraq war veteran ever. The trailer feels a bit muddy to me, like it doesn’t know what kind of movie it wants to be. And, speaking of Ms. McLachlan, the trailer features her ballad “I Will Remember You”.

6 Comments »