In Kelowna, the city council race is heating up with 37 candidates vying for eight seats. Some newcomers are taking unconventional approaches to grab voter attention, moving beyond the usual campaign methods like signs and door-to-door canvassing.
One such candidate, Brady Rogers, an engineer and entrepreneur, is infusing humor into his campaign. Using witty and self-deprecating messaging on signs and social media, Rogers aims to set himself apart from the crowded field.
Rogers emphasizes that his campaign’s humor reflects his genuine personality rather than a strategic ploy. He believes that sparking curiosity through his approach encourages people to delve deeper into his motivations and plans.
His unique campaign style has garnered attention not only locally but also internationally, with images of his campaign signs reaching a wide audience in the United States, generating significant engagement.
Another candidate, Teresa May, is also employing an attention-grabbing tactic by combining wake-surfing, a longtime hobby of hers, with her campaign. Videos of May wakeboarding on Okanagan Lake while holding campaign signs have gone viral on Instagram, aiming to appeal to younger voters and stand out in the crowded election landscape.
Similarly, Garrett Millsap, seeking re-election in West Kelowna, has enlisted the help of his dog, Cooper, in his campaign. Featuring Cooper prominently on his election signs with the tagline “re-elect my human,” Millsap’s approach adds a lighthearted touch to his re-election bid.
These unconventional campaign strategies, according to David Black, an associate professor at Royal Roads University, offer candidates a chance to break away from traditional messaging and connect with voters in a fresh and engaging manner. However, Black notes that while humor can attract attention, candidates must tread carefully to ensure it does not undermine their credibility in the eyes of voters.
In a competitive field where candidates must establish their unique identity, these innovative campaign tactics serve as icebreakers to draw interest and redirect voters to the candidates’ platforms and policies. Despite the risks involved, stepping outside the conventional campaign playbook can pay off by capturing the public’s attention and setting candidates apart in a crowded political arena.
