ADVERTISING is a relentless pursuit of our attention. It’s no different at election time, with parties clamouring their message in an attempt to sway your vote. 

Like a democracy sausage, election posters are part of the political landscape and this poll’s crop are plastered along roadsides everywhere. Whether you love or loathe a campaign corflute, you won’t escape them and sooner or later you face a crossroad – either let them drive you crazy or relax, take a deep breath and savour the joys of democracy. 

Here’s a look at some of the best, worst and most memorable corflutes of the 2020 ACT election season:

Ramsay’s recipe for success?

Voters are getting two Gordons for the price of one. One is a potty mouthed Scottish chef, the other is a Labor candidate for Ginninderra. Full marks to Gordon Ramsay (the candidate) for capitalising on his namesake’s notoriety, and an honourable mention to the wag who pasted the chef’s image over the top of a lot of the candidates’ corflutes.

Vote 1 The Simpsons

HILARIOUS as it is ridiculous, a joker has pitched a wad of “Simpsons” signs next to genuine candidate corflutes, all across Canberra. The “Vote 1 for Ralph Wiggum” sign, from the “Pick a Winner Party” reads: “When I grow up I want to be Chief Minister or a caterpillar.” 

The anonymous trickster didn’t stop at Wiggum, Homer Simpson is making a rib-tickling appearance, too. The clever signs, bound to make you laugh, are gaining traction over Facebook. One person said: “I choo choo choose Ralph”. Another added: “He’d get my vote”. 

Please note: This is a joke, the Simpsons Party won’t appear on the ballot paper.

Belco Party ‘Keep the Bastards Honest’

A direct rip off from the late Don Chipp’s Democrats, the Belco Party has pinched the most memorable slogan of Australian politics. It’s bound to appeal to voters as much as it did 40 years ago.

‘Iggy’ Rozario for Belco

Not sure Ignatius Rozario was channelling “Iggy Pop” when the Liberal candidate for Ginninderra decided to shorten his name but you hope his reputation won’t go the same way as the godfather of punk rock and his infamous performance on “Countdown” 40 years ago.

Whatever the reason, it looks like it’s working. Iggy says he’s getting “a good response” from his signs. 

Tara’s red match up

Red-haired Labor candidate for Ginninderra Tara Cheyne’s corflute resembles the iconic image that adorned matchboxes around this country for many decades. The famous red-head matches. 

The thinking outside the box award goes to Tara for embracing her inner red. Nice one!

‘No Bollocks’ Damiano

Marilena Damiano, the independent candidate for Kurrajong has gone for the shock factor with her campaign slogan “No Bollocks”. Direct and straight to the point, she gets top points for product differentiation in the marketplace. Sure to polarise some voters, but will appeal to just as many as it appals. And pretty hard to see how a graffiti artist could add any further value to it.

Double entendres in Murrumbidgee

An advertiser’s worst nightmare. To have a candidate called Long and a candidate called Cocks contesting the same seat could have unintended consequences and lead to voter confusion. 

It wouldn’t matter whether Labor candidate Brendan Long finished ahead of the Liberal candidate Ed Cocks or the other way around, both are going to be the subject of double entendres.

Enjoy the fun while you can because the ACT Greens have renewed their call to ban all roadside electoral signs. And just a reminder that corflutes must be removed by all parties and candidates 48 hours after the close of polling booths on October 17, or face a hefty $220 fine, per sign, from Transport Canberra and City Services.