This history of Vancouver`s Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) examines the processes and pitfalls of coalition building at the urban level. The role of politics in the era of globalization is a key issue discussed, with emphasis on how electoral politics and processes must adhere to democratic values. COPE is examined as a microcosm illustrating two central tensions in leftist politics: the problem of building coalitions between diverse social organizations and the role of electoral politics in broader leftist projects. COPE`s involvement in recent urban elections in Vancouver shed light on the success of leftist agendas.