The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and my home territory is about to hold the territory elections (17 Oct). There are very strict advertising laws here which I appreciate – no billboards for example, and thanks to size restrictions Maccas (McDonalds to the rest of the world) golden M’s are smaller.
But it means when someone wants to get their event information out there, they have to use corflutes. Corflute is a ribbed polyethylene sheet used for signage (amongst a list of other applications):
Canberra even has a Code of Practice for Movable Signs.
The problem come election time is that our streets are adorned with hundreds of corflutes, all jostling to grab the attention of passing motorists. Of course, everyone wants prime position (which is in front of a tree or post so motorists aren’t tempted to run them over).
There’s no escaping the reminder we have an election coming. The good thing is that they have to be removed within 48 hours of the election day – most are gone in less than that. If they aren’t removed, they can be fined. And it isn’t hard to know who they belong too!
This year, someone with some cash to burn and a sense of humour has commissioned and placed some rather special corflutes around town…
In Australia, voting is compulsory – you are fined if you don’t vote. I actually like the system, it’s one less thing politicians have to harangue you about in the lead up to the election.
Do you have corflute-lined streets during elections?
September 22, 2020 at 1:00 am
Interesting. Corflutes and mandatory voting. America could learn from you!
September 22, 2020 at 8:14 am
We also don’t take over a year for each election like you with your college system…it’s usually 6 to 8 weeks of election brouhaha for us. Much simpler!
September 22, 2020 at 6:40 am
We have signs everywhere, but what gets me are the constant commercials. Especially for the propositions. I’m in California, so there are always propositions to vote on, various things that’ll become law if they pass. Those ads have already started, and they’ll ramp up closer to the election (November 3rd, not that I’m counting the days or anything).
September 22, 2020 at 8:16 am
Something else we don’t have. We don’t have to vote on all the legislative changes like you do (you have, from my perspective) a very complicated system. We also don’t elect the court, like you have happening now.
September 22, 2020 at 8:13 am
Ooo we are over run by those posters as well!!
I love that it is mandatory for you to vote! If I ever become Canadian dictator I would mandate the same! #voteTfordictator
September 22, 2020 at 8:18 am
It’s funny, I didn’t really expect everyone else who doesn’t have strict advertising guidelines to have loads of corflutes. Canberra is an oddity in that regards in Australia. You certainly don’t get as many in other states.
And, Dictator GF, I imagine if you were dictator you would have the election rigged so it wouldn’t matter who turned out to vote 😉
September 22, 2020 at 8:20 am
Haha yes it would have to be rigged – I’m not bilingual so I can’t run for Prime Minister LOL which would be the second thing on my list – no longer Bilingual! 😂😂😂
September 22, 2020 at 1:44 pm
I’ve learnt a new word today! I love the funny one the best.
September 22, 2020 at 2:17 pm
I learnt it only after moving here! And the Barbarian prefer the funny one as well 🙂