The federal election campaign is past the halfway point, with election day less than two weeks away. But while many voters will watch the party leaders' debates tonight and tomorrow, they will ultimately cast a ballot for a local candidate.

While campaign lawn signs featuring candidates' names are in full bloom, local debates are few and far between this election. Are these long-standing practices still relevant in the social media age?

"I'm a firm believer that election signs are doing a public …