"Democracy Begins in the Family": Liepaja, Latvia Promotes Youth Participation in Local Elections

Strategic Insights -

To engage young people in democratic processes from an early age, Liepaja Municipality, Latvia, organized a unique voting event, "Democracy Begins in the Family," during the recent local elections. This initiative aimed to encourage children and young people to participate in the electoral process and understand the importance of their opinions in shaping the city's future. A total of 1,392 children and young people cast their ballots, with a surprisingly high level of engagement and interest shown by the younger generation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Democracy Begins in the Family" initiative was organized in several polling stations in Liepaja, with a total of 1,392 children and young people participating in the vote.
  • The event aimed to promote understanding of democracy and the importance of elections from a young age, encouraging children and young people to participate in the electoral process.
  • Preschool children voted for a play equipment for the children's playground, with 54% of the vote going to the winner, while students in grades 1-8 voted for additions to the Liepaja presentation materials catalog, with 58% of the vote going to the winner.
  • Young people in grades 9-12 determined which musician would perform at the closing event of the Youth Capital of the Year, with the band "Olas" winning convincingly with 70% of the vote.
  • The initiative aimed to encourage the entire family, including children and young people who have not yet reached voting age, to vote and participate in democratic processes.
  • The idea for the project was developed by Beatrise Lasmane and Ulla Ozollapa in 2021 as part of the Latvian Academy of Arts course "Communication Design."
  • The initiative was implemented in collaboration with local governments in Liepaja, Valmiera, and Bauska regions, and was co-authored by designers Beatrise Lasmane, Anna Miezite, and project artist Eila Kalve.

Statistics:

  • 1,392 children and young people participated in the "Democracy Begins in the Family" initiative.
  • Preschool children voted for a play equipment for the children's playground, with 54% of the vote going to the winner.
  • Students in grades 1-8 voted for additions to the Liepaja presentation materials catalog, with 58% of the vote going to the winner.
  • Young people in grades 9-12 determined which musician would perform at the closing event of the Youth Capital of the Year, with the band "Olas" winning convincingly with 70% of the vote.
  • The initiative aimed to encourage the entire family, including children and young people who have not yet reached voting age, to vote and participate in democratic processes.

Sources:

  • Liepaja Municipality, Latvia, news release
  • https://www.liepaja.lv/