According to the most recent Gallup Poll, just 14 percent of voters approve of how congress is handling its job, but that hasn’t stopped 14 new candidates from throwing their bones in the ring.
The first ever election for canine mayor of Salt Lake County is underway, with caninedates running to raise money for the Salt Lake County Animal Services Injured Animals Fund.
“It’s a fundraiser and votes are $1 and the caninedate who raises the most votes, meaning they raise the most amount of money, they will win canine mayor of Salt Lake County and they will serve a two year term alongside Mayor Ben McAdams,” said Sandy Nelson from Salt Lake County Animal Services.
The mayor’s first priority will be to promote good canine citizenship and responsible pet ownership, she said. All caninedates are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations and licensed.
Voting started on Oct. 1 and will continue through Tuesday Oct. 21. So far, the 14 caninedates have raised $4,000 for shelter animals in need.
While some of the dogs prefer to rely on neighborhood support, others have launched social media campaigns and have even printed political signs for the election.
“Some of our dogs are very social media savvy, some of them have their own Facebook pages, some have their own websites, but then we have the good old regular dog that you would see just walking down your neighborhood with their guardian,” Nelson said. “We have everything from the kind of dog that I would have to our local celebrity dogs.”
Currently, a pup named Tex is in the lead for the canine mayor race. He is one of the dogs with a large online presence. His website said he’s dedicated to finding a home for every dog and also claims he is the best face licker anywhere.
Inauguration for canine mayor is scheduled for Oct. 28. If you’re interested in sinking your teeth into the election, visit Salt Lake County Animal Services to cast your vote.
