Election 2022: Canberra independent hits out after signs defaced

Fed up with his campaign signs being defaced, Canberra independent Tim Böhm has taken to social media to denounce the vandalism in a trademark comedic style that has helped him gain notoriety among voters.

Canberra candidate Tim Böhm is fed up with his campaign posters being defaced, and he took to social media to show it.

The independent candidate is campaigning for the inner-north seat of Canberra in the 2022 Federal Election, and has made a name for himself through his comedic online presence, replete with “dad jokes” and candid quips.

But, after the former-Bullet Train Party candidate discovered his campaign posters had been defaced, Mr Böhm hit out against the vandals in an unusual way: by replicating the deformities and genitalia drawn on his poster on his own face.

“This is shocking, I’m sick of this (...) that doesn’t even look like me,” Mr Böhm says in the clip, holding up the defaced sign.

“How immature.”

In an election campaign full of attack ads and bitterness, Mr Böhm told the Canberra Star voters appreciate a lighter touch.

“I do take a lighter comedic tone to some of my campaign material, but I do try to underpin the serious issues wherever possible,” he said.

“Voters are definitely over the doom and gloom and the election in general, it’s been a long six weeks.”

On his Facebook page, Mr Böhm regularly introduces campaign issues with a so-called dad joke.

In a recent post, Mr Böhm wrote: “Did you know there’s deep-seated corruption within the elevator installation business?

“It goes all the way to the top. Maybe even the penthouse!”

Before adding: “What’s not a joke is the way our major parties have ignored Canberrans and the key issues Canberrans care about.”

But, as the campaign reaches its final days, it’s not all fun and games.

With a tough senate race unfolding in the capital, Mr Böhm said it’s often difficult for independents to get a word in.

“It’s hard for independent candidates like myself to compete with the major parties and their big donors,” he said.

“Election signs provide an even playing field, which makes it even worse when a sign is defaced, knocked down or even taken.

“But, I’m sure my signs don’t get taken or defaced any more than anyone else, apart from Clive Palmer’s signs.”

Whatever the outcome on Saturday, one thing likely won’t change for Mr Böhm.

“My three kids think I’m the worst at telling jokes and that I’m not funny at all,” he said.

“But, my wife thinks I’m funny to look at.”