[kwlug-disc] Asking questions of candidates during the election.

[Insurance Squared Inc.]

Folks should absolutely get involved.  Call your favourite candidate and 
ask them for a sign - and raise the issue you're concerned about.  
Better yet, drop some cash on them - running a campaign is brutally 
expensive (lawn signs can be $5-$25 each - multiply that by the 
thousands).  And when you sign the cheque, raise the issue you're 
concerned about.

Candidates will listen to their base - start the process there.
g.


On 31/03/11 03:23 PM, Russell McOrmond wrote:
> On Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 2:54 PM, L.D. Paniak
> <ldpaniak at fourpisolutions.com>  wrote:
>> What happened to write-ins?  Can't one just ask for a blank ballot on
>> election day and pencil in any name?
>    That is a US tradition.  It is my understanding (and would have to
> do some research to verify) that such ballots are counted as being
> spoiled in Canada.
>
> Note:  There are many differences between Canada's democratic system
> and the one used in the USA, and not just the ones that #CPC
> candidates are confused about :-)
>
>> I thought anyone can be a candidate.
>    They can if they prove to Elections Canada (federally) or the
> relevant body in other elections that they have the support of a
> minimum of constituents to have their name put on the ballot.  They
> have to have the nomination papers signed and sent into the returning
> officer for their riding before a certain number of days before
> election day (haven't looked it up this election).
>
> Check out "Information for candidates" as a starting point if this
> stuff is interesting...
> http://elections.ca/content.aspx?section=ele&dir=41ge&document=index&lang=e#2
>
> BTW: I highly recommend people get involved in the process.  Join and
> participate with a smaller party, as you will learn things you won't
> have as easier access to with a larger.
>