© Es geht LOSThis project reimagines Germany’s electoral districts as spaces for inclusive, structured dialogue between citizens and their elected representatives to rebuild trust in democracy.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CITIZENS AND POLITICIANS
The project addressed the lack of trust in politics, specifically the missing communication between citizens and their representatives. Electoral districts play a crucial role in representation in Germany, yet they have not been utilized as platforms for discussions and deliberation. As a result, the connection between members of parliament (MPs) and the concerns of citizens remains underdeveloped, contributing to political disengagement and a lack of trust in the democratic process.
ELECTORAL DISTRICT DAYS AS A NEW FORMAT
The project introduced Electoral District Days (EDDs – Wahlkreistage) as deliberative assemblies. An EDD brings together 25–30 randomly selected people through a lottery process to discuss federal topics with their representatives across all parties, supported by professional moderation and scientifically grounded materials. In total, 17 EDDs were held in six constituencies across the country, with over 400 participants aged 12 and older. Politicians valued the diverse insights gained and the constructive discussion atmosphere, even on sensitive topics. Participants included youth, non-voters, and people with little interest in politics or limited educational resources—reached through innovative outreach such as doorstep invitations, youth prep meetings, and language assistance.
TRUST, EMPOWERMENT, AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
The evaluation report shows that participation significantly boosted participants’ interest and trust in politicians, politics, and institutions. It fostered political self-efficacy, strengthened connections with politicians, and inspired ongoing engagement. Many participants reported increased motivation to take on civic activities, such as working on political, social, or ecological causes or contacting politicians directly. MPs and participants alike are now advocating for the nationwide adoption of EDDs, recognising their potential to enhance representative democracy and lay the groundwork for a more participatory political culture.
