Nonpartisan Hacks

So You’re Thinking of Voting in an Election

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Nobody teaches you how to vote well. Maybe they should.

You already know how to mark an X on a ballot. But do you know what you're actually voting for?

Joel Grenz and Sean Wood — two City of Parksville councillors — break down the overlooked civics of actually choosing who to vote for. From how party slates and vetting work, to why big campaign promises are often a red flag, to the real reason politicians get accused of lying (hint: voters play a role), this is the honest conversation about democratic participation that doesn't happen often enough.

Prompted in part by the current BC Conservative leadership race, and with a municipal election on the horizon, this episode is the flip side of a previous discussion, So You’re Thinking of Running for Local Government.

Listen in for:

  • Why 99% of local government across Canada is nonpartisan, and why that matters
  • The real role of party vetting, and what happens when it goes sideways
  • Why voting for promises might actually incentivise politicians to lie
  • What to look for instead: character, résumé, trust, and your gut
  • Why voter apathy costs everyone but why an imperfect vote still beats no vote
  • Sean's challenge to every armchair critic with opinions but no nomination papers

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    Nonpartisan HacksBy Joel Grenz and Sean Wood