Strategies to Engage Undecided Voters Ahead of Edmonton’s Election

As Edmonton’s municipal election approaches on Monday, nearly half of voters remain undecided about their choice for mayor, according to recent polling data. Political experts suggest innovative strategies to engage these undecided voters and encourage them to cast their ballots.

Strategies to Engage Undecided Voters

Political strategists highlight the importance of personal connections. Traditional methods, such as door-to-door canvassing, are seen as effective. “Engaging with voters directly at their homes fosters meaningful interactions,” said Mandi Johnson, vice-president at Crestview Strategy. Candidates should also consider distributing eye-catching literature and lawn signs.

• Hand-delivering campaign materials can enhance personal connections.
• Candidates should ensure their flyers stand out visually.
• Including personal contact information can encourage voter engagement.

Innovative Online Engagement

Candidates are increasingly turning to online platforms to connect with voters. This strategy allows them to reach demographics that spend significant time on social media.

Andrew Knack demonstrated this by setting up a video game station at the University of Alberta. He engaged students through live-streamed matches of Rocket League. This approach aims to connect with younger voters who often feel disengaged from traditional political discourse.

Knack’s use of platforms like Instagram and Twitch exemplifies efforts to attract a younger audience. In contrast, Tim Cartmell successfully engages older millennials through Facebook and Instagram, featuring videos with substantial viewership on cycling policy.

Social Media Presence and Advertising

Omar Mohammad stands out for his effective social media strategy. With the highest number of Instagram followers among his peers, his trendy videos resonate with many viewers. However, having a large following does not always equate to electoral success.

• Mohammad has invested $46,000 in social media ads, a figure exceeding the total spent by all candidates in the last election.
• Cartmell and Walters followed with ad expenditures of $29,500 and $25,300, respectively.
• Knack’s spending was significantly lower, at only $149.

Experts like Vincent Raynauld emphasize the need for candidates to verify whether social media efforts effectively translate into votes. The general consensus suggests that in the final campaign days, personal connections and solid voter relationships are paramount.

In summary, as Edmonton’s municipal election nears, candidates must adopt a blend of traditional and modern strategies to sway undecided voters. By leveraging both face-to-face interactions and engaging online content, they can foster a supportive voter base and enhance turnout.