Hyperlocal Devon site tries Twitter to stimulate election buzz

By PRSD, on Friday, May 22, 2009

We here at the PRSD have adopted Twitter strategies to stimulate involvement and debate for the June 4 elections, so far not to much effect admittedly, but we put that down to the insular world of most politicians, whatever level of government they’re involved with.

Nevertheless, we believe democracy will out, and those standing for election to whatever body will try to connect to their electorate, through whatever medium is made available to them. And as far as we can see, the Lib Dems are leading the way, with three (two Euro candidate and one county council) having got in touch with us. Although 100 per cent of the Euro Katie Hopkins party has done the same.

We have been asking candidates (through whichever means we can – some are quite hard to find donchaknow) to submit a manifesto or election address of 140 characters or fewer for it to collate on its site.

The idea is to be short and sweet and to get your message across.

We wanted to offer each candidate the same opportunity and the same space for their eleactioneering, and thought this was the most straightforward and engaging way. At worst it’s soundbite politics gone mad, at best it’s a great way to get rid of the fuddy-duddy image that politicians, especially councillors, have. Hopefully it will show that candidates aren’t complacent either.

The candidates don’t have to Twitter to us, they can send an email or even a letter.

So far the campaign has only yielded four responses. Three from the Lib Dems – two MEP candidates Graham Watson and Kay Barnard and one from county council candidate Gordon Hook. The other submission was from former ‘star’ of The Apprentice, Katie Hopkins, who is standing as an independent in the European Election.

It is taking a while for the message to get through, but we’re hoping the responses will start pouring in once the election campaigning really gets going.

There’s a similar sentiment when it comes to the #devonelection, #swelection and euelection hash tags the site has been using.

We’re not quite there yet with a full-on Twitter debate, but hopefully by pushing the election electronically we’re encouraging participation on June 4 while demonstrating our commitment to coverage.

posted by Cptn

Anyone seen a doorstep campaign? We know Labour is busy in Ivybridge and the Lib Dems have been working Teignbridge. Who else has seen their prospective county councillor or Euro MP?