TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — We're just eight days away from Florida's primary election and candidates are doing all they can to get their platform out there.
With social distancing and health a big focus, it's looking different this election cycle.
From involving animals to music to costumes, Tallahassee streets are packed with creative ideas.
Horse trots, drumlines, motorcades, even a waving dinosaur, it's not something you typically spot out on the road, but as the primary day closes in candidates are getting creative with their push to get out the vote.
"You do see a heightened understanding or availability of participation in Twitter campaigns and Instagram, you've even seen Tick tock emerge," said Nashid Madyun. "You know, some of the different generations have partisan power now because you can reach them and you have to reach them. You have to reach them. So we're seeing candidates find innovative ways to reach underserved markets.
For Leon County Commission at large candidate Kelly Otte it's all about injecting her personality and passion.
"I do have a horse," said Otte. "I ride a lot on the trails and I ride with a group of people. We started talking about what it would like if we took the horses through the neighborhoods."
One of her opponents, Scott Flowers is making his campaigning a family affair.
"My son insisted on wearing his dinosaur costume," said Flowers. "A lot of the campaign I've been able to share with my family and it's made it a lot of fun."
Tallahassee City Commission Seat 1 candidate Jack Porter is inviting musicians to make sure voters hear the local heartbeat of Tallahassee.
"It was a combination between myself and the capital battery line, who is the drumline and something we have done in the past," said Porter. "I was thinking of an ice cream [truck], where, in the old days, people would hear the noise and come out."
But incumbent Elaine Bryant is making sure she's heard as well.
"I'm at the BL Perry Library today," Bryant said. "I've already been at three sites before I got here. Just holding my sign and doing things in the community."
Traditional measures to meet voters like door-knocking have been put on hold. Instead, candidates are blending other tried and true methods with ones that fit in with the 2020 election period.
Many candidates will continue their innovative campaigning this weekend. Election day is August 18.
