Portal 'Masz Głos' is dedicated to informing Polish public about procedures of both local, as well as presidential elections announced for 20th on June 2010. This initiative aims to motivate citizens to take part in elections, but also to ensure that all procedures are clear. This simple model of transparency project is crucial, as not every single citizen is aware of many layers of elections.
It is also the key element of off-line campaign called "Masz głos, masz wybór" [It's your vote, it's your choice], so readers can search through a map and directory for local updates on meetings of the public with authorities in different areas of the country.
Most impressive part of the portal, the Citizen Guide, provides great deal of information about responsibilities of different levers of authorities in relation to various aspects of life like safety, culture, education, sports etc.
Project is open to volunteers as well, who are encouraged to take part in 5 tasks based on the main goal of the campaign:
This year the tasks of attendees are related to raising interest of citizens in local issues as well as encouragement to take part in local elections using both passive and active right to vote. One one hand it means that we want more citizens to vote, but we also want citizens to vote aware of their choices. On the other hand it is important to place on the voting lists candidates with programmes responding to needs and issues of local community.
The five suggested tasks are:
1. Map of local issues
2. Good candidates
3. Our community 2030
4. Pre-election debate about local issues
5. High frequency
Using those steps local supporters are said to be able to achieve better results in voting attendance, as well as in its quality.
Project appears on banners on various sites, as well as on Facebook - social network currently rapidly growing in Poland.I think it's a brilliant idea and I would love to see the reports on its effectiveness in raising awareness around government transparency in general and elections specifically after 20th of June.
Sylwia, our elections are coming soon (next weekend) but the campaign is obviously not as civilized as it is in your country. Ours is very negative as one party attacks another and it is said that people will not be voting the best for them but the least evil… Good luck with your elections!
I am really sad to hear that! I wonder what is http://transparency.globalvoicesonline.org/project/kohovoliteu doing around your elections, I think they might get involved! Good luck with it!