City Launches Get Out the Vote Campaign

If you take public transportation in Gaithersburg, you may have noticed a new campaign by the city to encourage voters to get out to the polls.

At 10 bus shelters, the city has placed ads urging residents to go to the polls on Nov. 8 and cast their ballots for City Council.

Historically, voter turnout in Gaithersburg—and in municipal elections in general—accounts for only a small percentage of registered voters.

"Bus shelter advertising is part of a larger communication plan adopted for this year’s election," said Britta Monaco, the city's Director of Communication.  "Additional initiatives include e-mail campaigns to HOAs, Neighborhood Watch groups and other ListServs, use of Facebook, display ads, and general information banners."

The city contracts with Signal Outdoor for the bus shelters, and part of the contract allows the city to place up to 10 ads if all the ad space is not sold, Monaco said in an email.

The city didn't have to pay for the 10 ads, which will be on display until the election on Nov. 8, she said.

Three incumbents—Ryan Spiegel, Jud Ashman and Cathy Drzyzgula—are running for re-election, and two challengers—Tom Rowse and Paula Ross—are making a bid for their seats.