Quick glossary for the election

It’s election time in Canada! Here’s some language you might be hearing and wondering about – whether English is an additional language or you are just newer to political vocabulary.

Writ drop

“We’re waiting for the writ drop.”
“The writ dropped on Sunday.”

Meaning: The official announcing of an election, meaning the “writ period” has started. In Canada, a minimum of 36 days must pass between the writ drop and the election itself.

Burma Shave

“Do we have enough signs for the Burma Shave?”
“How long are we Burma Shaving today?”

Meaning: Waving signs for a candidate in a busy place, usually on the side of a road or at an intersection. I understand that the name comes from an advertising approach for a shaving cream.

EDA

“Are you on the EDA?”
“We need new members for the EDA.”

Meaning: Short for Electoral District Association – the group of members for a political party in a specific region. This group fundraises, brings in new members, and prepares for the next election. You might equally hear “riding association.” They mean the same thing.

Riding

“What riding do you live in?”
“This riding always votes Liberal.”

Meaning: The geographic region that you vote in. Federal ridings are bigger than provincial ridings.

Tory

“Is she a Tory?”
“The Tories might win here.”

Meaning: A member of the Conservative Party, or the Conservative Party in general.

“NDP Party”

“I’m really impressed with the NDP Party this election.”

Meaning: Someone has forgotten what the P stands for in New Democratic Party. Everyone does it at some point.

E-Day

“When is E-Day?”

Meaning: Election Day! Mark your calendars – it’s September 20.