Election campaign begins Sunday
The Quebec election campaign starts Sunday, but I saw placards posted around my neighbourhood already on Saturday afternoon.
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Kate
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H. John 12:35 on 2022-08-28 Permalink
Max Harrold did a useful piece for CTV Montreal about the issue of early posting of election material. I can’t find it on their web site.
As Elections QC explains:
https://www.electionsquebec.qc.ca/en/understand/understanding-democracy-and-elections/election-signs/
“In Québec, election laws do not restrict the display of signs outside of an election period….”
and
“The only legislation that applies in this context is the Highway safety code or the by-laws of the city where the sign is installed.”
Parties can risk having posters removed and being fined when municipal bylaws say posters are legal on utility polls only during election period.
That said Elections QC said they are aware that the change from the Premier calling the election at will, to set election dates means that everyone is advertising much earlier than before (including 3rd party groups).
They are going to study the issue throughout this election and decide if they should recommend changes to the law.
denpanosekai 12:53 on 2022-08-28 Permalink
saw some in Verdun too, CAQ only
DeWolf 16:48 on 2022-08-28 Permalink
What was the justification for fixed election dates anyway? It hardly creates a level playing field because when everyone knows exactly when the election is coming, everyone feels pressure to start pseudo-campaigning as early as possible. And that benefits the party with the most resources because the smaller ones rely on government funding to do their campaigning.
Kate 19:00 on 2022-08-28 Permalink
DeWolf, I could never understand the point of Quebec wanting fixed election dates, unless it was admiration for how the U.S. does things.
Tim S. 20:52 on 2022-08-28 Permalink
I would defend fixed election dates – it removes some of the power of the incumbent party to pick a date purely to their advantage, which to a certain extent means everyone can focus on governing/opposing instead of always being in election-readiness mode (which I don’t think has been particularly positive for federal politics over the past few years). Yes, there’s an advantage to the party that can advertise earlier, but it also helps smaller parties because at least they can plan instead of always being ready, which also takes resources.
It also means people can plan around elections – for example, I know well in advance this year if my children’s schools will be closed for voting.
DeWolf 22:58 on 2022-08-28 Permalink
The research I’ve found indicates that snap elections do create a small advantage for ruling parties, but I’d argue that US-style perma-campaigning is ultimately worse for democracy. It becomes like any other form of advertising – people tune it out and there’s even less engagement in the end.
If Elections Quebec does find a way to restrict pre-campaign advertising, though, that might be the best solution.
Joey 09:37 on 2022-08-29 Permalink
You don’t need fixed election dates to be in permanent campaign mode…