Some New West residents concerned over cards from local party

Over the last while, I've had some folks reach out to New West Anchor to ask whether these cards—which you may have seen in your mailboxes—are allowed.

On one side of the card, there are dates, times, and locations of spaces to vote. On the other side is a list of the names of New West Progressives, along with a checkmark next to each name and the position each candidate is running for. At the bottom, in smaller print, is a note that says, "authorized by Darren Milne, Financial Agent for New West Progressives-604-256-2910."

For Quayside resident Jens Vent-Schmidt, seeing the card in his mailbox was a confusing experience.

"I saw it and I thought it was distributed by the city as sort of, information on how to vote. I mean, I'm a new Canadian, I got my citizenship in 2019, so I voted in a few elections, and I thought, 'That's a neat list,' he tells New West Anchor.

When Vent-Schmidt looked at the other side of the card, he realized it wasn't quite what he thought it was.

"I just told myself, 'That's not really an official how-to-vote guide,' even though it looks that way."

Vent-Schmidt says he's since filed a complaint with Elections BC, but also reached out to the election officers working at the city level. He says he was surprised to hear that the cards were allowed.

"I mean, I thought it surprising to see that it's legal. I personally believe not everything that's legal is morally right. I'm a deep believer in democracy. I think every functioning democratic society has to have a conservative party, [something] somewhere in the centre, and a left party, and there has to be discussions about policies," he says.

Vent-Schmidt also believes the cards can take advantage of certain populations.

"I have a PhD. I have higher education, and it took me a while to realize [what the cards are]. And I just think about the marginalized members of our society, whether it's seniors—because the financial statement was in fine print—or whether it's newcomers to Canada who aren't familiar with the electoral system."

'These cards appear to be in compliance': Elections BC

New West Anchor also reached out to Elections BC to ask about the cards, and whether they were OK to use.

"These cards appear to be in compliance with the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act," explains a spokesperson from Elections BC. "The first [part of the] flyer would not be considered election advertising, as it does not promote or oppose a candidate or elector organization (civic political party)."

The back half of the card has also been given the green light by Elections BC. "The second [part] has the required authorization statement and New Westminster Progressives are a registered elector organization with our office," the statement reads.

As for the New West Progressives, campaign manager Jason Chan says the materials are similar to advertisements. "These are promotional materials much like our candidate's canvassing cards, direct mail brochures and our newspaper ads," he says in a statement to The Anchor. "Direct mail campaigns are expensive and we opted for the most cost-effective black-and-white format. It is intended to promote voting and, of course, promote the New West Progressives candidates."

As for the kind of feedback Chan says the party has received regarding the cards? "Our candidates have been met with great support across the city and many of them really like this promo piece!"