It's a hallmark of Hawaii politics: sign wavers, lining the side of the street, waving and smiling at passing motorists to rally support for a candidate. Sure, you've got roadside rallies and protests everywhere else, and political signs in yards and on buildings are nothing unusual... but I think the huge investment of time and money spent on into showing numbers on the street here is unique. A hundred people on S. Beretania with the same sign, "Vote Joe," inspiring honks of support, prompting the occasional rude gesture, and, as many complain, causing a traffic hazard.
It's hotly debated every election season, with bills regularly proposed to restrict or outright ban the practice. Paradoxically, while polls have often shown voters dislike it, candidates basically conclude that it's a political neccessity. And some supporters, believe it or not, actually like doing it.
So, as Election 2006 looms, sign wavers are showing up all over once again... some starting weeks ago, even. Some sign-waving groups are impressively huge. Some signs are particularly memorable. Some snarl traffic and go overboard in trying to get attention. So here's a thread dedicated to a truly local political tradition.
Do you sign-wave? Do you like it, hate it, or just ignore it? And have any recent deployments caught your eye, for good or bad reasons?
It's hotly debated every election season, with bills regularly proposed to restrict or outright ban the practice. Paradoxically, while polls have often shown voters dislike it, candidates basically conclude that it's a political neccessity. And some supporters, believe it or not, actually like doing it.
So, as Election 2006 looms, sign wavers are showing up all over once again... some starting weeks ago, even. Some sign-waving groups are impressively huge. Some signs are particularly memorable. Some snarl traffic and go overboard in trying to get attention. So here's a thread dedicated to a truly local political tradition.
Do you sign-wave? Do you like it, hate it, or just ignore it? And have any recent deployments caught your eye, for good or bad reasons?
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