REGINA – Odds are you’ve had one or two candidates show up on your door-step during the election campaign.
The past few weeks have been full of arguments amongst the parties, but they all agree door-knocking is a valuable way to meet their potential constituents.
“We’ve been going into senior’s buildings in the morning, we often find people home there and then go out in the afternoon, and again in the evening from about four until eight o’clock,” Regina Lakeview NDP candidate Carla Beck said.
That’s a standard NDP door-knocking day, but no matter a candidate’s political stripes, the past 20 odd days have looked rather similar.
Some tactics differ though. Saskatchewan Green Party Leader Victor Lau has been trying to get people to change their minds if he sees a competing yard sign.
” For the Sask Party, I haven’t had a lot of luck turning them to our point of view, but on the debates, I’ve heard they really like us talking about balancing the budget.”
FULL COVERAGE: Saskatchewan Election 2016
The Saskatchewan Liberals are running nearly a full slate of candidates, and many are rookies. Party leader Darrin Lamoureux has experience working on other Liberal campaigns, which he’s shared with his fellow Liberals.
“It’s one of those things that scares some candidates is the fear of meeting people at the door. I can rest assured with the candidates, and they’ve seen it now that people aren’t controversial at the door,” he explained.
Allen Mryglod is one of only two Progressive Conservatives in Regina, and is also a rookie candidate.
“The first time was quite a bit different than now. It was kind of weird knocking on some of these doors,” he said.
“Now I’m getting a very good response.”
The Saskatchewan Party have been door-knocking throughout their previous term as government. Regina Gardiner Park candidate Gene Makowsky said their reception has been positive overall, but there are some outliers.
“Sometimes there is some rejection they’re not interested in your party or what you’re talking about, but that’s fine and that’s part of the business,” he said.
“I’ve always said if you don’t like rejection this probably isn’t the business for you.”
I think people do want their representatives or those who are running to be their representatives to be accountable, to be on their door steps,” Beck said.
“There’s a little bit of fatigue with two elections back to back here.”
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