“Don’t sleep or you will be outvoted” – this powerful slogan from Poland’s historic 1989 election returned in 2023, as Gdansk launched a civic campaign to boost voter turnout.
Reviving the iconic message and design, the city set out to reawaken democratic engagement ahead of the parliamentary elections. With digital tools, street actions, and support from over 100 influencers, the campaign reached millions. It encouraged especially young people and women to vote – and it worked. Poland recorded its highest election turnout in history.
The campaign was also recognised internationally, winning the Eurocities Award in the category Creative election campaigns: mobilising citizens. This grassroots initiative proved that together, we can make change happen.
