The candidates made the rounds of their neighborhood, canvassing voters who live in canvas.

Residents of Tent City, the encampment of homeless people living in the woods of Lakewood, recently held an election to approve rules for the camp, and to elect delegates to represent their interests in dealings with the outside world.

Gregory "Pops" Maple was one of three Tent City residents chosen to represent the camp. The 62-year-old's best qualification may be that he's a great listener.

This is the seventh winter the camp will have experienced, but the first with any regulations.

They include respecting each other and keeping the peace. Drugs and illegal weapons are prohibited. No going into someone else's tent without their permission.

Issues in the election included who gets the next available heater.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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