THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, November 5, 1996             TAG: 9611050273
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY TOM HOLDEN, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   44 lines

WITH HUMOR, POSTERS AIM TO CAST VOTE AGAINST APATHY

At first, John Koehler's idea was a simple exercise to boost the image of his small Oceanfront design studio with a few clever posters. But his project has proven a bit more civic-minded than he expected.

Troubled by the large number of people who decline to vote on Election Day - especially when, as some might argue today, the choice isn't so hot - Koehler designed three motivational posters with the indifferent voter in mind.

One shows an elephant, symbol of the Grand Old Party, standing atop the innocent headline ``Forget me not. Vote.'' The fine print reads: ``Get off your big butt this election day and exercise your right. Vote for the elephants, the donkeys or whoever you want. You can forget to write, forget to call, but please don't forget to vote.''

The second poster shows a large ear, calling to mind the Texas zillionaire with the sharp tongue. The large type reads: Listen here, Vote.''

The third shows the venerable donkey, symbol of the Democratic Party, with the headline: ``Save our asses. Vote.''

Like the elephant poster, the two others encourage people to take a stand and vote to ensure their voices will be heard.

When he began to pass them around, Koehler found a willing audience in small shopkeepers who agreed to post the bills.

``My initial reason was sort of selfish,'' said Koehler, a registered independent. ``I knew no one would be looking over my shoulder. I could do what I wanted and maybe come up with something good for my portfolio. As I started, I got more motivated in thinking I could help people get out to vote.''

A little more than 100 of these posters adorn Oceanfront store-fronts.

``Usually, when people read them, they laugh first because they're kind of whimsical,'' Koehler said. ``Then they read the copy and find out they're legit.''

Johanna Tydings, co-owner of the 21st Street Art Gallery, where all three signs hang, praised Koehler for his creative approach.

``I think it's his humor that catches people. I think people get tired of seeing the red, white and blue signs in front yards. This is a littler catchier way of getting people's attention.''

KEYWORDS: ELECTION POSTERS VOTE ADVERTISEMENTS by CNB