Campaign slogans to help win a Westeros election

If elections were held in the world of Game of Thrones, the wars would be fought on billboards instead of battlefields. Here’s eight campaign slogans that could win a Westeros election. SPOILERS

Westeros election campaigns could take a leaf from Australia’s.

*SPOILER ALERT*

In King’s Landing dragons can burn you alive in the street whether you like it or not.

So you could say political participation is compulsory.

But if elections were held in the world of Game of Thrones, the wars would be fought on billboards instead of battlefields.

With the Australian election upon us, here are eight campaign advertising tips that Iron Throne aspirants could learn from.

election slogans for westeros mitchell toy

PLAY UP INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING

Once you put on that hard-hat and high-vis, the voters will think you’re pretty much rebuilding Winterfell yourself.

It doesn’t matter if the money is better spent on Wildling healthcare or the East Watch Link, if the North says rebuild Winterfell then there’s no amount of money too big and no amount of publicity too cheesy.

Trade the sword for a shovel and the voters will swoon.

election slogans for westeros mitchell toy

MAKE IT ABOUT LINEAGE

If your opponent is trying to leave the history of their party or family behind, don’t let them.

If voters remember the duds who came before, they’re far more likely to believe the next incarnation will also be a dud.

Tyrion says he’s a loyal, intellectual adviser. Remind voters he’s just another Lannister.

election slogans for westeros mitchell toy

EXPLOIT EXISTING SENTIMENT AGAINST YOUR OPPONENT

If your rival is making headlines for all the wrong reasons, don’t let those headlines go to waste.

Jon Snow might be a prodigal son of the North with a true claim to the Iron Throne, but one missed opportunity to pat his wolf and he’s the people’s enemy.

Don’t let commoners forget your opponent’s worst failures.

election slogans for westeros mitchell toy

MOVE ON FROM THE PAST

If you’re part of a bad team, make yourself out to be the best egg in that bad team.

Sure, the Lannisters are a real pack of brutes.

But you’re a modern Lannister, ready to lead progressively and fairly.

election slogans for westeros mitchell toy

ATTACK YOUR OPPONENT’S CREDENTIALS

If a Targaryen started out with three dragons and now has one, that’s bad dragon management.

And if Targaryens can’t manage dragons, how will they manage the Westeros economy?

Make your economic plan look extra good by reminding voters your opponent might be great at charring whole cities, but still has the training wheels on when it comes to the levers of economic management.

election slogans for westeros mitchell toy

BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE, AND PROSPECTS

When running as a minor party of independent with a narrow policy focus, don’t try and be everything to everyone.

Focus in on your core voter base and don’t try to win a majority in the lower house.

Try for something achievable for a Senate spot where you’ll be a voice for smugglers across the continent.

election slogans for westeros mitchell toy

ERODE OPPOSITION POPULARITY BY ASSOCIATION

When you vote for Cersei Lannister, you might end up with Euron Greyjoy.

Reminding voters of cosy deals with undesirable political players can work wonders at sandbagging your vote in King’s Landing.

Make it appear as if a bastard like Euron is pulling the strings, and a strong leader like Cersei will seem much less appealing.

Mitchell Toy art for online special

STRIKE YOUR OPPONENT’S WEAKEST POLICY AREA

If your real reason for fighting your opponent, such as their romance with your brother, is not politically popular, make the vote about something else.

If your opponent is big on dragons, they’re also going to be big on carbon emissions.

Having a strong environmental policy that the Dragon Queen can’t answer will go wonders in the North.

Mitchell Toy is a Melbourne artist and writer.