Manitoba Stronger Together

Introduction

Modern campaigns often feel pressured to look professional, polished, and omnipresent. Candidates are told they need signs everywhere, constant social media activity, videos, websites, and branded materials — all before voters even know what they stand for.

At the municipal level, this approach is often unnecessary and sometimes counterproductive.

This lesson helps candidates understand what public presence actually matters, what is optional, and what often adds cost and distraction without improving trust or credibility.

1. Presence Is About Accessibility, Not Visibility

Public presence is not measured by how often your name appears — it is measured by how accessible you feel.

Residents want to know:

• Can I talk to this person?

• Will they listen?

• Do they understand local issues?

Presence is built primarily through:

• Direct conversations

• Community participation

• Consistent, respectful engagement

Visibility without accessibility creates recognition, not trust.

2. Signs, Posters & Printed Materials

Campaign signs are often overemphasized.

Signs:

• Reinforce name recognition

• Signal seriousness

• Rarely change minds

Before investing in signs, candidates should ask:

• Are signs permitted in my municipality?

• When are they allowed?

• How many can I manage responsibly?

Printed materials such as flyers or cards can be useful when handed personally, but mass distribution is often wasteful.

Quality interactions matter more than quantity of materials.

3. Online Presence: Website, Social Media & Boundaries

Candidates often feel pressure to build a full digital infrastructure.

In reality:

• A simple website can provide basic information and credibility

• A Facebook page may be sufficient for updates and events

• Constant posting is not required

Candidates should avoid:

• Over-sharing

• Emotional responses

• Engaging in online arguments

Online presence should support — not replace — real-world engagement.

4. Video: Optional, Not Essential

Video is often presented as essential. At the municipal level, it is optional.

Video can be useful if:

• You are comfortable speaking on camera

• It helps explain issues clearly

• It reflects your real personality

Video becomes harmful when it:

• Feels scripted

• Overstates certainty

• Consumes excessive time or money

No video is better than a video that feels inauthentic.

5. Avoiding “Campaign Theatre”

Campaign theatre refers to actions designed to look like campaigning rather than accomplish anything meaningful.

Examples include:

• Excessive branding

• Performative announcements

• Trend-driven tactics

Campaign theatre often distracts from listening, learning, and governing readiness.

Residents are generally unimpressed by spectacle — and quickly detect inauthenticity.

Closing Reflection

Public presence should make you approachable, understandable, and accountable — not just visible.

Candidates who focus on accessibility, clarity, and restraint create a presence that aligns with long-term trust rather than short-term attention.

This lesson reinforces a central principle of Module 7:

At the municipal level, presence is built through people — not platforms.