Birgitte Städe from Hoeje-Taastrup Municipality in Denmark discusses using social media to increase citizen participation and voter turnout in local elections. The municipality live-streamed election debates on Facebook and answered citizens' questions online. During the election, they posted updates from polling stations and provided information to voters. Voter turnout increased from 64% to 69%, especially among young people. Citizens provided positive feedback, and the social media efforts helped find a good balance between politicians and administrators.

2. Birgitte Städe
Hoeje-Taastrup Municipality, Denmark
SOCIAL MEDIA AND LOCAL PARTICIPATION
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3. Strategic goals for communication
To support openness and dialogue between the municipality
and the citizens, so the citizens actively participate in the
development and decisions of the municipality.
To create a positive awareness of – and understanding of –
the role, tasks and results of the municipality. Including the
political priorities.
To strengthen the citizen service – especially digital self
service
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Branding of the municipality.
To reach young people.

4. Municipal Elections
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Importance
Voter turnout

5. Municipal Election - before
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Important information:
Voter card, postal ballot etc.
Candidates: See who you can vote for
”Behind the scenes”
- involving employees

6. Election Meeting – live and on Facebook
Live-streamed on the Facebook-page and website.
A little more than 1000 citizens have seen the debate.
Questions on Facebook to the politicians before and
during the debate
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Live-updates during the meeting.

7. Municipal Election – under
Posts from the polling stations
Handling issues – answering questions
Posts about voter turnout during the day
”Behind the scenes”
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8. Municipal Election – after
Results from the polling stations
Total result
Who was elected – personal votes
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9. Result
Voter turnout raised from 64% to 69%!
- especially among young people
Good feedback from the citizens
Good balance between politicians and administration
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