A Federal Election is a strange time for the media. The major media companies will have staff travel with all of the leaders during the election. So if a leader is in my normal territory, I likely won’t be covering the event. There is a great expense involved and the photographers traveling with the leaders have a tough long journey. I am happy for the most part not to be subjected to the controlling forces involved with covering the leaders, especially the Prime Minister. Very little is “real” about anything they do, it is scripted and manufactured, not really journalism, the way I believe in it. Despite the absence of photographing the leaders there is often plenty to still cover.
During this election we saw a tide of youth empowerment with the “Vote Mobs” occurring across the country as the youth showed that they can be a force to be recognized. On election day I was called upon to do what I really enjoy and that is to “enterprise” or hunt for good moments of regular people during the voting process. I had a great day meeting and talking to people. Both the Vote Mob and shooting real people were productive days for me during an election that did cause great movement in the political landscape.
When the election was called most people anticipated there would be little change and we would be facing another Conservative minority with the Liberals in opposition. Wow, how the tide changed and the people spoke. There was some changes and some very unexpected results. That I guess is why they still play the game.
There is only one photo of a politician in my images from the Vote Mob and election day. A man I have great respect for, and who Maclean’s magazine called Last Decent Man in Ottawa, was unfortunately not able to hold onto his seat. Doesn’t make much sense to me, but in politics, not much does. Glen Pearson will not returning to Ottawa, what a shame for Canada. Good luck Glen, and enjoy the extra time with your family.
Miss Teen London, Kelsey Johnson, 18-years-old, who going to voting in her first federal election, wears a message on her cheek at a pre-election gathering. About 1,000 people showed up for a "Vote Mob" to encourage and rally people, especially the youth vote to exercise their right to vote in the federal election, in London, Ontario, Saturday, April 30, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
l-r: Kelsey Johnson, Shelbie Townson and Brianna Smith, while cheer loudly. About 1,000 people showed up for a "Vote Mob" to encourage and rally people, especially the youth vote, to exercise their right to vote in the federal election, in London, Ontario, Saturday, April 30, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
A Canadian flag is floated above their heads by some of the crowd. About 1,000 people showed up for a "Vote Mob" to encourage and rally people, especially the youth vote, to exercise their right to vote in the federal election, in London, Ontario, Saturday, April 30, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
The crowd cheers as about 1,000 people showed up for a "Vote Mob" to encourage and rally people, especially the youth vote, to exercise their right to vote in the federal election, in London, Ontario, Saturday, April 30, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
Eric Shepperd holds a sign he made to simply encourage people to get out and vote, as he walks up and down Richmond Street in downtown London, Ontario, Monday, May 2, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
Lilly peaks out of her owner Wendy Box's sweater, as she casts her vote in the London West riding, London, Ontario, Monday, May 2, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
Liberal incumbant Glen Pearson, London North Centre, the only sitting Liberal M.P. in the area walks with his daughters Achan and Abuk Roy, 11-years-old after he cast his vote on London, Ontario, Monday, May 2, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
John Stewart casts his vote underneath a large Humpback Whale tale that is part of the displays at the Children's Museum of London in the London West riding, London, Ontario, Monday, May 2, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
by Dave
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