Guelph-based campaign hopes to change political conversation
Growing out of the Guelph-Wellington Women’s Campaign School, Better Ballot Guelph (BBG) is confronting the polarizing and divisive political climate through their campaign that is intended to keep voters and candidates issues-focused. BBG kickstarted on Sept. 11, 2018 ahead of the Oct. 22 municipal elections. Through voter and candidate pledges, the campaign hopes to keep citizens centered on the policies and issues that matter. The Ontarion caught up with BBG organizer Vivian Webb to discuss the campaign.
Brandon Araujo: What is the BBG all about?
Vivian Webb: It’s about working with voters and candidates to change the political conversation. What we’re asking is [for citizens to sign the pledge]. We have the candidate’s pledge and the voter’s pledge. So what we’re asking people to do, whether you’re a voter or candidate is to say:
- I affirm that I will support positive issues-based campaigns.
- [I will] refrain from resorting to personal attacks on any candidate or citizen in any interactions particularly on social media.
- [I will] publicly disassociate myself from people or organizations who attack any candidate with comments based on gender, race, or status.
- [I will] lead by example by engaging in constructive political discussion and encouraging others to do the same.
Essentially, we don’t want to be distracted by ad hominem attacks or nasty campaigning, or lies, or misdirection. We want to have political conversations about the issues — about the things that really matter.
BA: What is important for voters to know about BBG?
VW: It’s important to know that it allows voters to express themselves; to talk to candidates and say: “I only want to listen to candidates or politicians that want to talk to me about the issues, who don’t want to run other people down or have a negative campaign.” This is the way for voters to stand up and say what they want.
BA: What does it mean to take the pledge?
VW: It means taking a stand and making your voice heard. We live in a very polarized political climate right now. You see it on the news every day. Some of it’s entertaining, but it can be very disheartening — very discouraging when all you hear is politicians attacking other people, other politicians, other voters, anybody. That’s not the kind of society we want. It’s enough. Candidates want your vote. [All voters should get up and say]: “No, I’ll [only] listen to your positive campaign. If you want to talk about issues talk to me, but let’s not run down the other guy.” That’s what we’re about.
For more information on the BBG visit www.thebetterballot.ca.
Article by Matteo Cimellaro & Interview conducted by Brandon Araujo
Photo Courtesy of Better Ballot Guelph