Lessons Learned

Candidate Guide
  1. Yes, they actually check to make sure the signatures are from addresses and names in the riding. Some Returning Officers only check the address and accept the signature if it's in the riding. Others check the name as well and won't accept it unless their name is on the Preliminary List of Electors.
  2. It's pretty easy to get strangers, at a gas pump, if you approach with "I'd like to lower the price of gas....by lowering taxes...by running for government. Will you help me out?"
  3. Another good solicitation is, "Would you be willing to give your permission to Elections Ontario to put my name on the ballot?"
  4. Or, "Good Morning/afternoon. My name is _________ and I'm the Libertarian Candidate in this riding. In order to get my name on the ballot I need signatures from 25 voters in this riding. Will you help me get my name on the ballot?" If they hesitate, reassure them, "It doesn't mean you have to vote for me. It's just one of those bureaucratic hurdles."
  5. Another great place to get signatures is at grocery stores. Stand by the exit door, talk to people as they come out. Prefer those with carts, not carrying anything, and who don't have cranky children.
  6. Any time a property owner asks you to leave, be sure to show them the letter with the Canada Elections Act law stating that you must be allowed to perform election activities on any publicly accessible property, as long as you are not preventing the business from operating. It's a great teaching moment/selling point to present - right before you respect their property and leave. (Of course, they may know that Elections Canada has nothing to do with provincial elections.)
  7. If they ask what the Libertarian Party is all about, have a short, appealing answer, like, "We believe we need a lot less government and much lower taxes." Avoid lengthy discussions; you're there to get signatures, not recruit libertarians or convert voters. Carry generic Party brochures to hand out if they ask, preferably after they sign.
  8. It's a good idea to wear a name tag with the Party name and logo. The Party can send you a file to print several name tags.
  9. Of course you will need a clipboard. Make sure the voter knows to PRINT their name and address in the appropriate columns, and read it back to them. If it isn't legible, try to fix it (or re-write it on the line below). The Nomination Forms were designed for 8.5"x14" paper. If you print them on 8.5"x11" paper, there isn't much room to print the name and address or write the signature. For the 2018 election the Party mailed the F0400 printed on legal paper to candidates. There is room on the two pages for 30 signatures, so it's a good idea to fill them up.