This morning we are off to the Town's splendid Farmers' Market to meet the voters. 

I have a little band of helpers eight strong whose job is to offer leaflets to those willing to take them and to point people in my direction if they want to talk to me.

To help identification I have my striking red and black lawn sign on my back, secured with string.

I gather my team together and go into a huddle. Just two simple reminders: don't hassle people and keep the vendors happy by staying well clear of their market stalls.

We get a terrific reception.

People raise all sorts of issues with me. One woman who lives close to the rail tracks wants me to stop the train whistles. 

"I wish I could but I am not sure I can. I'm about a mile away from the rail tracks and I hear the trumpet blasts too."

She considers this a limp and inadequate answer.

"But in Barrie they stopped the train whistles."

I hear myself saying:

"It's all about safety. Maybe in Barrie there aren't so many crossings of the track. I don't know. But, yeah, train whistles at the crack of dawn are a real pain in the neck."

She thanks me and continues with her shopping. 

I tell myself to check out what happens in Barrie. I think I lost that vote.

Important Person

As people stream by I quip:

"Please take my leaflet. I could be a very important person in three weeks time." 

Many laugh. Some look bemused.

Now a man in an orange T-shirt asks me how well I get on with the Mayor.

"I think we get on OK. I saw him here earlier why don't you just ask him?"

Man laughs uncontrollably.

"Where can I find a stepladder?"

I join in the laughter.

"Very good! Very good!"

Now the Market Supervisor appears in her dark green outfit.

"I'm afraid you'll have to move. This isn't allowed."

"Fair enough. But I thought it would be OK in the middle of an election."

"No."

As we make our way to the Market entrances to catch people as they arrive and leave, we pass the Town of Newmarket's magnificent stand advising people how they can exercise their right to vote. It is laden with leaflets with two staff on hand to offer advice. On-line voting is the big thing.

These days who needs to meet candidates in the flesh when they can get all they need on-line?

Gordon Prentice 1 October 2022