Coats out, votes out: how to survive the final push
- Text by Dawn Foster
- Photography by Theo McInnes
The nights are drawing in, daylight hours are slowly shrinking, and you’re readying yourself to cosy up with friends in front of literally the hottest real estate in town: the pub’s roaring open fire. But you can’t. Because Boris Johnson called a general election. And so for the third time in four years, you have to pound the streets or hit the phones, bending the ears of your neighbours, friends, sample members and total strangers to get the vote out.
So, with just six days left until Britain goes to the poll, how do we survive the final slog? Warmth is your first concern and an absolute necessity. The British media are peculiar in their obsession with filming regularly outside the seat of power. Whenever there is a political crisis, presenters, journalists and camera crews descend like hungry pigeons outside Parliament. And since there have been more occasions when the United Kingdom is in crisis than when it’s not lately, broadcasters know well how to stay warm outside for long stretches of time, often as the sun sets and the temperature dips. Fingerless gloves are a must, especially if you can find a pair lined with fleece or faux fur, to enable you to use your phone, but also peel leaflets from bundles, and jimmy open stiff letterboxes.
If you’re outside for hour upon hour, you’ll need gadgets and paraphernalia too. A portable phone charger will be one of the handiest purchases you make and can charge your phone several times over, often lasting a few days so long as you remember to charge it, lest you end up stuck in a bind with two very hi-tech bricks on your hands. They also make you the most popular person around you: a friend used to always carry lighters with her on nights out despite not smoking, so she could chat up anyone attractive looking for a light. Almost everyone will be after a smidgen of battery charge, so your devious plan is bound to work as an icebreaker.
In terms of clothing, I’d only offer recommendations on what to wear ordinarily with one very clear exception. Please, no matter what you do, under no circumstances go campaigning in a balaclava. A winter election is already dark enough without a pair of eyes appearing out of nowhere at your window, even after Halloween’s passed. But warmth is a necessity and layers are key, both to trap air and so you can peel off the top few if you find yourself on a stuffy tube or bus, or if you’re drafted in to fold leaflets and stuff envelopes. Hours spent stood watching my own breath materialise in front of cameras have taught me thermals are your friend when you’re trying to look normal, and more yourself than “Michelin Man Goes Party Political”.
Finally, your face: take great care of it! Just as you’d wear sunblock to prevent burning during the summer campaign, moisturise to prevent your cheeks suffering terribly. Apply copious lip balm before the skin cracks and peels, and you greet horrified voters with bloody, gaping chops to deliver the glorious, wonderful news of your party’s utopian manifesto. But most importantly, smile, so you can actually convince voters you believe in your party, but also because campaigning is hard work at times, but also a lot of fun. Then start planning both your voting, and election night outfits.
Follow Dawn Foster on Twitter.
Follow Theo McInnes on Instagram, or check out his official website.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
The legendary trans artist & illustrator behind Drag magazine
A new book brings together pioneer Vicky West’s luminous illustrations of fantasy, femininity and fashion.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Why did police taser a Bristol grandfather in the face?
Trailblazing documentary I Am Judah chronicles community champion Ras Judah Adunbi’s horrific treatment at the hands of the police and his fight for justice.
Written by: Maisy Hunter
In photos: Ghana’s complex e-waste industry
A new exhibition explores the country’s huge, unregulated industry, which can be hazardous to workers’ health and the local enviroment, yet provides economic opportunity to many.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Meet Corbin Shaw, Huck 81’s Artist in Residence
The Sheffield born artist talks about the people and places that shaped his practice for the latest issue of Huck.
Written by: Josh Jones
The Blessed Madonna: “Dance music flourishes in times of difficulty”
The DJ talks about her debut album ‘Godspeed’, connection and resistance on the dance floor, the US election and more alongside exclusive pictures from her album release party.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Revisiting the birth of skate culture in 1970s Los Angeles
New photobook ‘Last Days of Summer: California Skateboarding Archive 1975–1978’ looks back at an iconic chapter of youth culture.
Written by: Miss Rosen