In a bid to boost voter participation and engage young individuals in politics, the District of Kitimat in northwest British Columbia has initiated a distinct mayoral campaign – for dogs.
On the general election day of October 17, residents of all age groups will have the opportunity to vote for either Gus or Koko, in addition to the standard voting for mayor and council positions.
According to Cameron Orr, the business and communications manager for the District of Kitimat, voter turnout was a mere 21 percent during the previous municipal election. Orr mentioned that voter participation in the district has been progressively decreasing over recent elections, prompting the need for innovative measures.
“We brainstormed ways to make the voting process more thrilling and attract more participants,” Orr stated. “We believed that dogs could serve as excellent ambassadors for the community, capturing the attention of children and garnering interest.”
Both dogs have been actively campaigning by interacting with local students and even participating in the Canada Day parade on July 1. The objective is for children to motivate their families to vote on election day, a strategy that has received positive feedback thus far.
“The children are ecstatic about the dogs; they adore seeing them,” Orr remarked. “They are asking intriguing questions, showing genuine interest in the campaign promises and the dogs’ vision for the community.”
Some children have even created campaign posters for their preferred candidate, and parents have shared instances of their children debating about the dogs on their way to school.
Koko, a goldendoodle, pledges pet-friendly emergency sirens and “dog days” at the local pool. Her owner and spokesperson, Dawn Adams, highlighted Koko’s affection for children, frisbee, and park strolls. Koko is portrayed as a responsible mayoral contender who has her teeth brushed nightly and ensures others do the same.
“Gus, an Australian Labradoodle, is advocating for more fire hydrants ‘for obvious reasons’ and enhanced poop bag availability in local parks,” the campaign statement read. Although Gus and his owner declined an interview with CBC News, the campaign statement asserts Gus’s commitment to making Kitimat “better and more pet-friendly than ever.”
The district clarified that the candidates’ platforms do not signify actual campaign guarantees and that the position is mainly ceremonial. The elected dog mayor will serve a four-year term alongside the Kitimat mayor.
Residents can vote for either Koko or Gus at a designated ballot box at Kitimat polling stations. The results of the dog mayor race will be disclosed on District of Kitimat social media platforms on Monday.
