In a world awash with political slogans and campaign promises, it is worth asking: do we really need the glitz and glamour of catchy phrases to understand who we are voting for? While local elections in Australia often lack the dramatic flair of their international counterparts, does this make it harder for us to feel connected to or informed about the candidates vying for our votes?

The contrast with the United States could not be starker. Take the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Outside the venue, a bold sign proclaimed, “A New Way Forward,” echoing Kamala Harris’s campaign trail rhetoric.

It was a phrase designed to inspire hope and signal change, reminiscent of the slogans that have defined U.S. presidential campaigns for decades. By the time Barack Obama took the stage, urging the crowd to chant “yes she can,” it was clear the audience felt swept up in the fervour—a reminder of the powerful role that well-crafted messaging can play in shaping political narratives.

Meanwhile, back home, the press handles our local elections in a vastly different manner. Coverage tends to be more subdued, focusing on practical, community-based issues rather than the grandiose visions we see splashed across American headlines. But this quieter approach raises an important question: does the lack of intense media scrutiny and political commentary impact our ability to truly get to know the candidates?

Without the spectacle and saturation coverage, it can be challenging for voters to form strong impressions of who is standing for office. The issues may be closer to home, but are we as informed about them as we could be? It is a question worth pondering, especially when local elections determine who will be making decisions that directly affect our daily lives.

It is not about the catchphrase, but about who is genuinely prepared to represent our best interests.