Flashmob-action-To-go-to-vote-is

Our main idea was to make people think. We wanted to give thought-provoking impulses with our posters. It was not important that many people complete our sentences, but that something happens in their minds. Also so that they can consider for themselves what voting really is and what consequences non-voting can have. The passers-by, who then even made their statement publicly, were the highlight of our action.

Voter turnout among young and first-time voters is very low, but the general turnout has also not been high in recent years. As a result, many radical parties have also been strengthened. Therefore we have set ourselves the goal to mobilize people and to make them aware of why one should vote.

We asked passers-by who had taken an interested look at our posters whether they would like to make a statement. In doing so we referred to our prefabricated signs.

First you have to make the posters and statement signs. Thereby you have to consider which statements should be prepared. The public order office has to be informed, as this is a political action in public space with an additional stand. Inform yourself on when you need to announce the activity, as this may vary in different countries. It is important to note that, depending on the size of the event, a marshal is available and all flyers of the organizers have a correct imprint. In addition, one person must be in charge during the action and must always be available for police and office. After a short conversation with the police in advance the action could take place as planned. However, if roads are blocked during the walk to another location, the police must remain on site. This was not necessary here. In addition one should change the stations after 30 minutes instead of 10 minutes.

1. Construction of our stand
2. Put up posters saying "To vote is..."
3. Second person stands next to it with a right-of-way sign
4. Wait for reactions from passers-by, if necessary respond
5. After approx. 30 minutes change to the next location (renewed procedure from 1st)
6. Pack up after last station
7. Publication of the statements

In the last local elections the turnout was only 48%. This means that more than one in two did not turn up for the election. Therefore we wanted to remind the people with our action why one should vote.

The posters should be glued onto a large paperboard. The posters may tear more easily if the paperboard is glued together.

We also needed cardboard to stabilize our posters. We painted them with Edding and watercolours. We printed the STOP and APPLICATION Signs and also reinforced them with cardboard. We painted them with Edding. On site we had a folding table and the banner of our club with us, so that we could put our things there.

Age group from 18 (because they are eligible to vote; however, younger people can also take part in the action)

We also needed cardboard to stabilize our posters. We painted them with Edding and watercolours. We printed the STOP and APPLICATION Signs and also reinforced them with cardboard. We painted them with Edding. On site we had a folding table and the banner of our club with us, so that we could put our things there.

• Postprocessing were our photos, which we took and then published. With this we could spread the statements even further.
• The "follow-up" was the local elections on 15.03.2020, in which the voter turnout increased in contrast to the elections before.