Initiative of Sweden’s Umeå municipality on Europe Day

In celebration of Europe Day, Umeå municipality in the north of Sweden - with BELC Member Janet Ågren - has launched an inspiring initiative to encourage voter participation in the upcoming EU elections. They have released a video, featuring the Chair of the Municipal Council, who outlines three compelling reasons to vote in the European elections. Additionally, the municipality has shared this video on their social media platforms, along with informative posts about the importance of voting.

This initiative serves as a remarkable example for local politicians across Europe. By leveraging multimedia and social media, Umeå municipality effectively raises awareness and engages with voters on a personal level. This approach fits well into the objectives of the BELC network, thanks to three core strategies. Firstly, educational videos feature local leaders explaining why the European elections matter. Personal stories and relatable reasons can make the content more engaging and persuasive. Secondly, through the use of social media campaigns, a wider audience can be reached and the interactive content and engaging visuals can help spread the message effectively. Thirdly, community engagement is important, as local leaders connect with their communities through various platforms, fostering a sense of involvement and importance and thus encourage citizens to practice their democratic rights.

Janet Ågren and Umeå municipality has invested tremendous work in inspiring their local constituents to participate and vote in the European elections 2024.