Sam Hester
@calgaryhester.bsky.social
Graphic recording, graphic medicine & comics journalism in Calgary/Moh'kinsstis, Canada. And I write a weekly newsletter full of comics from my old drawing book. Subscribe for free! samhester.substack.com
Uplifting message for transit fans AND fans of human rights. Take note, #Alberta!
One of my favorite things is getting to tell friends who are new to NYC that the subway "stand clear of the closing doors please" voice is a trans woman named Bernie Wagenblast and she's amazing.
November 24, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Uplifting message for transit fans AND fans of human rights. Take note, #Alberta!
So glad to be at NVRLND boutique in Ramsay to see a show featuring amazing #comics pages from the graphic novel "The Cold Fire," by one of my favourite #yyc artists @rustypincers.bsky.social. The show runs till Nov. 19. Come out & see!!!
November 14, 2025 at 3:06 AM
So glad to be at NVRLND boutique in Ramsay to see a show featuring amazing #comics pages from the graphic novel "The Cold Fire," by one of my favourite #yyc artists @rustypincers.bsky.social. The show runs till Nov. 19. Come out & see!!!
Reposted by Sam Hester
If Sarah Kendzior is indeed blocked on @bsky.app, this is a completely unjustified and highly questionable move. Sarah Kendzior is among the best voices of knowledge-based critical journalism in the US. See to it that this is corrected immediately and with an apology, @pfrazee.com!
Bluesky
Social media as it should be. Find your community among millions of users, unleash your creativity, and have some fun again.
bsky.app
November 11, 2025 at 7:16 AM
If Sarah Kendzior is indeed blocked on @bsky.app, this is a completely unjustified and highly questionable move. Sarah Kendzior is among the best voices of knowledge-based critical journalism in the US. See to it that this is corrected immediately and with an apology, @pfrazee.com!
Every year, my son builds a remote-controlled, candy-dispensing LEGO train for Hallowe'en. I wrote about it here:
samhester.substack.com/p/the-hallow...
samhester.substack.com/p/the-hallow...
The Hallowe'en Train
It's year 6 of a tradition featuring LEGO, candy & locomotives
samhester.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Every year, my son builds a remote-controlled, candy-dispensing LEGO train for Hallowe'en. I wrote about it here:
samhester.substack.com/p/the-hallow...
samhester.substack.com/p/the-hallow...
This Sunday, Nov. 2 from 1-3 PM, let's meet up at Ramsay School! We're chalking the compound with messages of support for teachers! Everyone is welcome! #yyc
October 31, 2025 at 7:40 PM
This Sunday, Nov. 2 from 1-3 PM, let's meet up at Ramsay School! We're chalking the compound with messages of support for teachers! Everyone is welcome! #yyc
The track maintenance train is doing tests for the 2025 Ramsay candy-dispensing #Hallowe'en train! Looks like the track is level. And the weather's looking warm. So far, so good! See you tomorrow night! #yyc
October 30, 2025 at 5:09 PM
The track maintenance train is doing tests for the 2025 Ramsay candy-dispensing #Hallowe'en train! Looks like the track is level. And the weather's looking warm. So far, so good! See you tomorrow night! #yyc
Hello! Here's this week's episode of The Drawing Book
(Calgary #comics from my old sketchbook)!
samhester.substack.com/p/the-drawin...
(Calgary #comics from my old sketchbook)!
samhester.substack.com/p/the-drawin...
October 26, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Hello! Here's this week's episode of The Drawing Book
(Calgary #comics from my old sketchbook)!
samhester.substack.com/p/the-drawin...
(Calgary #comics from my old sketchbook)!
samhester.substack.com/p/the-drawin...
Today in The Drawing Book, an old #comic about how to vote in the 2013 municipal election. Some of these things are still the same today in 2025!
samhester.substack.com/p/calgary-el...
samhester.substack.com/p/calgary-el...
October 19, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Today in The Drawing Book, an old #comic about how to vote in the 2013 municipal election. Some of these things are still the same today in 2025!
samhester.substack.com/p/calgary-el...
samhester.substack.com/p/calgary-el...
One more note. To pick up a ballot, you need a signed authorization from the person you're picking up for, saying that they're letting you pick up the ballot. & when you request the ballot online, you must give their address, to confirm they're on the voter list.
Ok, end of rant, happy voting! 7/7
Ok, end of rant, happy voting! 7/7
You’d think that in an election that bodes extremely low turnout, Elections Calgary might want to... TELL PEOPLE it's possible to pick up a ballot? Anytime up until election day, at a fairly central location (1212 31 Ave NE)? Maybe folks could benefit from that info? Ok, my rant's almost done. 6/7
But here’s the weird part. On the Elections Calgary site, this helpful service is referred to as a "Mail-In Ballot," or “Special (Mail-in) Ballot package" (see my screenshots). How is anyone supposed to learn that a pick-up option is available? There's no mention of it! 5/7
October 15, 2025 at 12:17 AM
One more note. To pick up a ballot, you need a signed authorization from the person you're picking up for, saying that they're letting you pick up the ballot. & when you request the ballot online, you must give their address, to confirm they're on the voter list.
Ok, end of rant, happy voting! 7/7
Ok, end of rant, happy voting! 7/7
You’d think that in an election that bodes extremely low turnout, Elections Calgary might want to... TELL PEOPLE it's possible to pick up a ballot? Anytime up until election day, at a fairly central location (1212 31 Ave NE)? Maybe folks could benefit from that info? Ok, my rant's almost done. 6/7
But here’s the weird part. On the Elections Calgary site, this helpful service is referred to as a "Mail-In Ballot," or “Special (Mail-in) Ballot package" (see my screenshots). How is anyone supposed to learn that a pick-up option is available? There's no mention of it! 5/7
October 15, 2025 at 12:15 AM
You’d think that in an election that bodes extremely low turnout, Elections Calgary might want to... TELL PEOPLE it's possible to pick up a ballot? Anytime up until election day, at a fairly central location (1212 31 Ave NE)? Maybe folks could benefit from that info? Ok, my rant's almost done. 6/7
But here’s the weird part. On the Elections Calgary site, this helpful service is referred to as a "Mail-In Ballot," or “Special (Mail-in) Ballot package" (see my screenshots). How is anyone supposed to learn that a pick-up option is available? There's no mention of it! 5/7
October 15, 2025 at 12:14 AM
But here’s the weird part. On the Elections Calgary site, this helpful service is referred to as a "Mail-In Ballot," or “Special (Mail-in) Ballot package" (see my screenshots). How is anyone supposed to learn that a pick-up option is available? There's no mention of it! 5/7
If you can’t make it to the polls, you can request a mail-in ballot, which is usually sent to you by Canada Post (or by self-paid courier, if there happens to be a postal strike). However, I was surprised to learn that there’s another option. You can request a ballot, and go pick it up! 4/7
But which continuing care residences actually do get on that list? The Elections Calgary website says that, of the 150-ish residences, 58 are on the list:
elections-prd.calgary.ca/for-voters/a...
I'm curious about how that list is made! But, that's another story. On to special ballots! 3/7
elections-prd.calgary.ca/for-voters/a...
I'm curious about how that list is made! But, that's another story. On to special ballots! 3/7
October 15, 2025 at 12:11 AM
If you can’t make it to the polls, you can request a mail-in ballot, which is usually sent to you by Canada Post (or by self-paid courier, if there happens to be a postal strike). However, I was surprised to learn that there’s another option. You can request a ballot, and go pick it up! 4/7
But which continuing care residences actually do get on that list? The Elections Calgary website says that, of the 150-ish residences, 58 are on the list:
elections-prd.calgary.ca/for-voters/a...
I'm curious about how that list is made! But, that's another story. On to special ballots! 3/7
elections-prd.calgary.ca/for-voters/a...
I'm curious about how that list is made! But, that's another story. On to special ballots! 3/7
October 15, 2025 at 12:07 AM
But which continuing care residences actually do get on that list? The Elections Calgary website says that, of the 150-ish residences, 58 are on the list:
elections-prd.calgary.ca/for-voters/a...
I'm curious about how that list is made! But, that's another story. On to special ballots! 3/7
elections-prd.calgary.ca/for-voters/a...
I'm curious about how that list is made! But, that's another story. On to special ballots! 3/7
This year, I was surprised to learn that Elections Calgary was not bringing ballots to the folks at my mom’s continuing care residence. Apparently, a request for ballots had to be issued in June (earlier than usual), so maybe they missed the date, and that’s why they aren’t on the list? 2/7
Hey #yyc! If you can't get to the polls on election day, you can PICK UP a ballot from Elections Calgary anytime until Oct. 20, & bring it back. You have to request your ballot here:
sb.calgaryelections.ca
I wrote a comic about this for @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social. But I have some more thoughts. 1/7
sb.calgaryelections.ca
I wrote a comic about this for @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social. But I have some more thoughts. 1/7
October 15, 2025 at 12:06 AM
This year, I was surprised to learn that Elections Calgary was not bringing ballots to the folks at my mom’s continuing care residence. Apparently, a request for ballots had to be issued in June (earlier than usual), so maybe they missed the date, and that’s why they aren’t on the list? 2/7
Hey #yyc! If you can't get to the polls on election day, you can PICK UP a ballot from Elections Calgary anytime until Oct. 20, & bring it back. You have to request your ballot here:
sb.calgaryelections.ca
I wrote a comic about this for @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social. But I have some more thoughts. 1/7
sb.calgaryelections.ca
I wrote a comic about this for @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social. But I have some more thoughts. 1/7
October 15, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Hey #yyc! If you can't get to the polls on election day, you can PICK UP a ballot from Elections Calgary anytime until Oct. 20, & bring it back. You have to request your ballot here:
sb.calgaryelections.ca
I wrote a comic about this for @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social. But I have some more thoughts. 1/7
sb.calgaryelections.ca
I wrote a comic about this for @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social. But I have some more thoughts. 1/7
Hi, Drawing Book readers! I posted some new #comics yesterday, but forgot to share the link here. Just a few more pages from my long-ago travel sketchbook.
samhester.substack.com/p/people-on-...
samhester.substack.com/p/people-on-...
People on airplanes, and people who smoke
Comics about my travel adventures long ago.
samhester.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Hi, Drawing Book readers! I posted some new #comics yesterday, but forgot to share the link here. Just a few more pages from my long-ago travel sketchbook.
samhester.substack.com/p/people-on-...
samhester.substack.com/p/people-on-...
I've been writing #comics about #yyc election stuff for @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social! Sharing today's, because I loved learning about J. M. Miller. I visited his grave at Union Cemetery. His institutional memory must have been incredible!
Check out more election comics at sprawlcalgary.com! #yyccc
Check out more election comics at sprawlcalgary.com! #yyccc
October 12, 2025 at 7:47 PM
I've been writing #comics about #yyc election stuff for @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social! Sharing today's, because I loved learning about J. M. Miller. I visited his grave at Union Cemetery. His institutional memory must have been incredible!
Check out more election comics at sprawlcalgary.com! #yyccc
Check out more election comics at sprawlcalgary.com! #yyccc
October 7, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Reposted by Sam Hester
❌ No votes for you! Calgary had a very limited local democracy in its early days…
Every day in October, until Election Day (Oct 20), we're sharing a new @calgaryhester.bsky.social comic about Calgary’s election history. Stay tuned for more! #yyccc
Every day in October, until Election Day (Oct 20), we're sharing a new @calgaryhester.bsky.social comic about Calgary’s election history. Stay tuned for more! #yyccc
October 2, 2025 at 3:36 PM
❌ No votes for you! Calgary had a very limited local democracy in its early days…
Every day in October, until Election Day (Oct 20), we're sharing a new @calgaryhester.bsky.social comic about Calgary’s election history. Stay tuned for more! #yyccc
Every day in October, until Election Day (Oct 20), we're sharing a new @calgaryhester.bsky.social comic about Calgary’s election history. Stay tuned for more! #yyccc
Reposted by Sam Hester
TONIGHT! Mayoral candidate forum at the Central Library with 8 candidates, moderated by MRU political scientist Lori Williams and Sprawl editor Jeremy Klaszus. If you didn't snag a seat you can watch the livestream starting at 6:30pm. #yyccc
LIVE TONIGHT: Calgary mayoral forum at Central Library | The Sprawl
Watch The Sprawl's livestream.
www.sprawlcalgary.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:50 PM
TONIGHT! Mayoral candidate forum at the Central Library with 8 candidates, moderated by MRU political scientist Lori Williams and Sprawl editor Jeremy Klaszus. If you didn't snag a seat you can watch the livestream starting at 6:30pm. #yyccc
The #yyc municipal election is coming up soon! I've been working with @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social on some new #comics, to get you thinking about how much your vote counts. Tune in for a new panel every day!
Today we're kicking off a new Calgary election comics series by @calgaryhester.bsky.social! Every day from now until Oct 20, we'll be posting a new panel. Think of it as a local election Advent calendar—with a new surprise each day about Calgary's political history! #yyccc
October 1, 2025 at 8:40 PM
The #yyc municipal election is coming up soon! I've been working with @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social on some new #comics, to get you thinking about how much your vote counts. Tune in for a new panel every day!
@jvipondmd.bsky.social According to 811, vaccine bookings are available on alberta.ca. If you have an underlying health condition, it's FREE. The list of eligible conditions is broad (ie. ADHD & obesity) & I was told no documentation is needed: it's an "honour system."
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-...
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-...
COVID-19 info for Albertans
Learn about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and your family.
www.alberta.ca
September 29, 2025 at 10:11 PM
@jvipondmd.bsky.social According to 811, vaccine bookings are available on alberta.ca. If you have an underlying health condition, it's FREE. The list of eligible conditions is broad (ie. ADHD & obesity) & I was told no documentation is needed: it's an "honour system."
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-...
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-...
Hi, drawing book readers! I'm back this week to share another newsletter featuring illustrated anecdotes about my long-ago life in Calgary! Here's a picture of me waking up on a couch on top of an Edmonton Trail garage...!
samhester.substack.com/p/time-to-ri...
samhester.substack.com/p/time-to-ri...
September 21, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Hi, drawing book readers! I'm back this week to share another newsletter featuring illustrated anecdotes about my long-ago life in Calgary! Here's a picture of me waking up on a couch on top of an Edmonton Trail garage...!
samhester.substack.com/p/time-to-ri...
samhester.substack.com/p/time-to-ri...