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Should fake campaign calls be criminally prosecuted?

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Thu, 2015-10-15 08:54

#1

Just A Moment Just A Moment's picture

Just A Moment's picture

Should fake campaign calls be criminally prosecuted?

Many people complained they are getting inflammatory calls from one party or another with bizarre campaign pledges to lock up gays, build more pipelines and even ban immigrants for a five year moratorium in the name of XYZ party. While some people are smart enough to recognize the calls as foul play, most are getting outraged and alienated by the party they think is calling. This impersonation IMO is technically election fraud. SHould it be traced and prosecuted in your opinion? I think we have to draw the line somewhere and this is a good and easy place to start.

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Thu, 2015-10-15 10:22

#2

voice of the damned

I gather from your examples that you are referring to callers impersonating Conservatives, in order to make that party look more extreme?

In any case, the question might not be "Should fake campaign calls be criminally prosecuted?" but "CAN fake campaign calls be criminally prosecuted?" Are these calls explictly claiming to be from one particular party? And, if so, is making fake claims about being associated with a political party illegal? If yes on both questions, then sure, those calls should probably be prosecuted.

I've heard of phone calls purporting to be polls, asking questions like "Would you consider voting for Michael MacWidget if you knew he had attended a pro-bestiality rally?" (Hyperbolic example, but that was the general technique) I'd imagine these manage to be on the right side of the law, by not claiming to be from any particular party, but rather, just a poll, which, strictly speaking, they are.

Thu, 2015-10-15 10:41

#3

voice of the damned

Another thing to consider is that some of these calls might be double-layered cons. That is, they are being made by a political party, and purpoting to be from that party, but make outlandish claims in the hopes that people will assume they are fake calls from that party's opponents.

For example, the MacWidget campaign calls people, saying "Hi, Micheal MacWidget hopes he can count on your support in his effort to legalize bestiality". The listener is supposed to conclude that the message is so ridiculous, it must be a dirty-trick from MacWidget's opponent.

Thu, 2015-10-15 10:49

#4

6079_Smith_W

voice of the damned wrote:

I've heard of phone calls purporting to be polls, asking questions like "Would you consider voting for Michael MacWidget if you knew he had attended a pro-bestiality rally?" (Hyperbolic example, but that was the general technique)

Maybe not hyperbolae after all:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sex-with-sheep-conservative-supporter-1....

I initially thought of David Cameron, and gave a pass on posting it. Then I saw this clip. Those Harperites are nothing if not true believers. They skip the smear and go straight for the doubledown.

Thu, 2015-10-15 21:37

#5

Cody87

This happened in 2011. It was part of the robocalls scandal. Is this happening in 2015? Do you have any sources? I'm not doubting you; I just want to make sure this has been reported to elections Canada and the major parties.

Thu, 2015-10-15 21:45

#6

Mr. Magoo

Dudes! Don't stress yourselves. The OSCE's got this.

No need to work their corner.

Fri, 2015-10-16 02:15

#7

voice of the damned

6079_Smith_W wrote:

voice of the damned wrote:

I've heard of phone calls purporting to be polls, asking questions like "Would you consider voting for Michael MacWidget if you knew he had attended a pro-bestiality rally?" (Hyperbolic example, but that was the general technique)

Maybe not hyperbolae after all:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sex-with-sheep-conservative-supporter-1....

I initially thought of David Cameron, and gave a pass on posting it. Then I saw this clip. Those Harperites are nothing if not true believers. They skip the smear and go straight for the doubledown.

With all Ford's legal run-ins, no surprise he's now on the lamb!

Seriosuly, though, I wasn't particularly offended by the guy's comments. They mostly just seemed like an R rated version of saying that you don't care about a candidate's personal life. Though somewhat misapplied to Ford, whose activities probably impacted his ability to govern.

Mon, 2016-01-18 08:16

#8

Just A Moment Just A Moment's picture

Just A Moment's picture

I was speaking about ANY and ALL fake political robo calls, not just one in particular. If the information is false, I think it should be treated as any slander or libel matter but with a huge mandatory fine of $1 million and 1 year in prison if found guilty.

Mon, 2016-01-18 08:16

#9

Just A Moment Just A Moment's picture

Just A Moment's picture

I was speaking about ANY and ALL fake political robo calls, not just one in particular. If the information is false, I think it should be treated as any slander or libel matter but with a huge mandatory fine of $1 million and 1 year in prison if found guilty.

Mon, 2016-01-18 09:40

voice of the damned

deleted

Mon, 2016-01-18 13:35

Sean in Ottawa

I thought the issue was proof not a lack of understanding that the courts should address this if possible.