It might not feel like it quite yet, but British Columbia is well within the window of an election season.
Those who actually vote (54.5% of us at the last provincial election) will go to the polls on or before Oct. 19鈥攁 date that is nine long months away, and forever in provincial politics.
There鈥檚 another election coming on or before Oct. 20, 2025鈥攊t鈥檚 a full 12 months further away, but the shadow of the next federal election seems to stretch much further than any provincial one.
Thus, Canadians can expect a lot of political manoeuvring from provincial and federal politicians and candidates over the foreseeable future; in fact, many are already campaigning.
(Did you get a knock on the door over the weekend in support of MP Patrick Weiler? )
Here鈥檚 a tip from a fan of following elections, and a cheat for staying informed: Follow their movements, who they cosy up to (and who cozies up to them), who they鈥檙e talking to, and where they go.
You can learn much about a politician, incumbent, or campaigning just from their campaign priorities and movements. They tell you too, through their various social media accounts.
It goes the other way, too鈥攃andidates for nomination in the federal riding list supporters that reveal connections down to local business and government. At the very least, it鈥檚 an enlightening read.
The same goes for photo ops, where politicians of every level smile for the camera and press the flesh.
Now, none of this is to claim there are any conspiracies here鈥攑oliticians talk to everyone and damned well they should. But posing for a photo with a politician shared on social media is still a declaration of association and even an endorsement of a position. So keep track of who mugs with whom鈥攊ncluding all politicians, not just those actively campaigning.
But what can it tell you? It reveals who they鈥檙e throwing in with, who they鈥檙e placing bets on sticking around, and who they think can get the best for their cause. It鈥檚 soft information, but information nonetheless.
Most journalists understand this; it鈥檚 why we avoid taking selfies with any candidates. It makes the next conversation with the next candidate an awkward one. Journalists can鈥檛 risk the perception of association the same way a community leader can. If a journalist takes a selfie with a politician and you can find it online, chances are it will colour your opinion of them, good or bad. The same goes for other politicians and anybody else on the street.
The candidates are multiplying in the Sea to Sky, so expect one to knock on your door any day now. Be prepared for a conversation and try not to tell them to go away; it鈥檚 probably the best chance you鈥檒l ever get to have a conversation over 50 words about politics with someone who can make a difference.
Just don鈥檛 take a selfie with them unless you want to talk politics with your neighbour.
