How are we feeling post-election season? It’s only been a week, but holy moly.
The Green Line was so busy the past two months; we produced over 50 pieces and videos as part of our election Action Journey, from ward videos, civic lessons and more. We’re proud of everything that came out and loved all the discussions in the comment sections across our platforms.
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However, I noticed little things while researching candidates and while walking around my neighbourhood, seeing flyers and lawn signs and boy, did these things start getting on my nerves.
We’ve already done our serious, hyper-local coverage, so this is my chance to share how I think things should be done differently in the next municipal election.
AI had no business in the election
I saw AI-generated content used to make candidate flyers and signs, and it’s more obvious the more you look at it. The worst one my team saw was a councillor candidate who AI-generated photos of them in community situations to use on their website, which had AI written all over it.
At the end of the day, I don’t think it’s about not having enough money that’s making people use AI. It’s about the effort you’re willing to put in as a candidate, building trust with your neighbours to get real volunteers who know how to hit record. I would rather have a blurry video from a 10-year-old phone of a candidate speaking than fake Torontonians.
The websites. Oh, the websites…
Now, Chris Alexander left the mayoral race, but his broken links still haunt me. A mayoral candidate’s site shouldn’t have broken links, especially when the page is supposed to have your press statements and news releases for residents to see up-to-date information.
Also, just how you organize a site is so important. People want information, and they want it fast and simple, so make your site easy to navigate with your new promises and targets up front.
Now, obviously, we won’t have another election for a little bit, but can all the website developers, graphic designers and campaign leads listen closely…
Don’t use AI, don’t fake your photos, make sure all your links work on your site and that people can easily find information about your values and your promises.
Who can say “re-elect”
This one is a bit niche, but did you see that former University-Rosedale Coun. Dianne Saxe switched to run in Toronto-Danforth instead?
Her signs in the area said re-elect, which is funny because she wasn’t elected in Toronto-Danforth before. Now, some of her signs switched to say elect, not re-elect, so whoever on her team started switching them over, I appreciate that.
Because I don’t think anyone who hasn’t actually won in the ward should be able to say re-elect. It’s misleading for residents who aren’t in tune with politics and who their councillor is, so if they saw a sign that said re-elect, they may assume she was elected to their ward before.
If you’ve been living under the subway tracks and missed all election stuff, check out our 2026 Toronto Municipal Election Action Journey.
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