Voters in Toronto’s Davenport ward were greeted to an unusual sight on their way to the polls this evening, courtesy of an eight-piece marching band led by a gleeful, bearded man in a red jumpsuit.
The man was carrying a black sign with one word written on it.
“VOTE!”
Local independent newspaper The West End Phoenix organized the parade, which was headed for a nearby polling station, as a way to encourage voter turnout in Toronto’s municipal election tonight.
The motley crew snaked their way through the autumnal streets in Toronto’s Dovercourt Park neighbourhood, drawing smiles and confusion from onlookers.
Complete with a sousaphone, a trio of saxophones, and mobile percussionists on wheels, the marching band was marshalled through the streets by West End Phoenix editor-in-chief Dave Bidini, who organized the event to celebrate political engagement and the right to vote.
“It’s nice to have music in the streets, especially when the reason is to get people off their couches and out to vote,” Bidini said.
The parade lingered outside Dovercourt Public School, making the entrance to the polling station unmissable for voters looking to cast their ballots.
For parade participant and local resident Terry Maguire, the parade was a way to draw his Davenport neighbours’ attention to election day.
“This is what democracy sounds like!” Maguire yelled in between songs.
For Maguire, a high school teacher, it is more important than ever for voters to turn up on election day.
“All the polls are saying the race for mayor is very tight, so I think it’s super important for people to come out and vote for the next 4 years of this city,” Maguire told Humber Et Cetera.
Davenport’s council seat is currently held by progressive incumbent Alejandra Bravo, who is facing off against challenger candidate Marco Martins.
