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Editorial: Here we go, again

Let the games begin, and the rhetoric.
Powell River Peak editorial
Getty image.

Let the games begin, and the rhetoric. While campaigns may look different than other elections due to COVID-19 restrictions, provincial election signs will soon dot the landscape and candidates will attempt to connect with the public by any safe means available.

Keeping a distance of at least six feet from a politician, or wannabe politician, seems like a positive. Who wants to get any closer anyway? Their pitch can be heard loud and clear from that distance.

Should it be a law? No politicians within six feet of voters. That could work. Then again, what does a law mean if a government can change it whenever it wants, like a fixed election date for instance.

Despite the differences, there will be similarities. Candidates throwing negative barbs at opposing parties will be more common than presenting visions for the future and what voters can expect when/if their party is successful in forming government. Same old schtick.

How about some positivity in dark times? Never mind the other parties’ deficiencies or history, what are you going to do? Try leading by inspiring, not defaming. How refreshing would that be?

The leadup to the general election on October 24 will likely involve increased campaigning via the internet and social media, and nothing negative ever happens on those mediums, right?

Whatever happens, don’t expect to know who will form the government on October 24. Elections BC recently suggested up to 800,000 BC residents could choose to vote by mail, compared to 6,500 in 2017. Mail-in votes are not counted until 13 days after election day due to screening processes. If results are as close as last time, we could be in for a wait.