How to encourage young people to vote? This question resurfaces before every election held in Poland after 1989. In the 2019 parliamentary elections only 46.4 per cent of eligible voters in the 18-29 age group went to the polls. Activists from the "East Initiative" want the turnout to be as high as possible during this year's elections.

The "East Initiative" is a nonprofit group formed by young activists. They are not afraid to confront politicians with reality. The movement includes Dominika Lasota, a young activist who told President Andrzej Duda at the COP27 climate summit what she thinks about Poland's climate policy.

Activists organised a pro-frequency campaign during this year's Open'er Festival in Gdynia. Participants of the event could watch a spot before the concerts in which well-known artists encouraged people to go to the polls. The recording featured Taco Hemingway, Szczyl, Dawid Podsiadło and Bedoes, among others. Moreover, the young activists had over a thousand conversations on social issues with festival goers.

Their mission is far from over, however. After the festival, they plan to set off on a tour around Poland and aim to reach out to young people in smaller towns and cities. The "East Initiative" also wants to be present at rallies and election meetings of various parties. The activists intend to ask politicians about issues that are important to young people.

"We don't want to stalk politicians, but to ask questions that will help others form an opinion and choose accordingly. We want to find out whether politicians can also be trusted," said Wiktoria Jędroszkowiak from the "East Initiative" in an interview with "Gazeta Wyborcza".

The "East Initiative" is also active on social media. Among other things, its activists have prepared messages aimed at young women. The graphics feature images of politicians (Andrzej Duda, Jarosław Kaczyński, Sławomir Mentzen) accompanied by a subverive slogan: "Don't go to the elections! This politician is definitely going to".

Source: Gazeta Wyborcza