Lahtians’ voting turnout was at a record low in the municipal elections – Mayor: decision-making is perceived as alien to everyday life

A voter turnout below 50% in municipal elections is a matter for officials and decision-makers to consider.

The low turnout in the municipal elections is a cause for concern in Lahti. Less than half, or 49.7%, of those entitled to vote went to the polls.

Four years ago, turnout in the elections was close to the critical threshold of 51.1%.

The trend has been downwards for a long time in Finland as a whole, and voting in Lahti has traditionally been lazier than the national average.

The fact that the municipal and regional elections were organized for the first time at the same time contributed to many, says Mayor Niko Kyynäräinen.

– When I went to the citizens during the elections, I noticed that what is a matter of the well -being area and what was easily confused by the city.

He also says that city dwellers have communicated that decision -making is perceived as distant and everyday.

New ways of interaction are needed.

– You could think about different ways in the parties and go through with decision makers.

According to Kyynärinen, good work has already been done, for example, in the partnership forums, which deals with issues related to each district and area, and other activities in the city.

\”Perhaps there will be those mechanisms and ways to bring decision -making closer and visible to residents and residential areas,\” he ponders.