Oh, hi!
Every Election Day, cities flood feeds with the same message: “Don’t forget to vote!” But here’s the truth: reminders aren’t enough. Inspiration wins.
I learned that firsthand in Gilbert, Arizona, when my team turned civic duty into something people actually wanted to share. We called it “Not Throwing Away My Vote”, a Hamilton-themed video produced with local students, staff, and residents. No celebrities, just real people rapping about why every ballot counts. It made people smile and show up.
That creative spark started long before my city hall days, back when I was at MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign helping millions of young voters get to the polls through storytelling that felt more cultural than civic. We didn’t lecture. We invited. We made voting feel like identity, not obligation.
And that’s the lesson cities need right now: stop making Election Day sound like homework. Make it feel like belonging.
Three Things You Should Know:
1️⃣ People vote when they feel seen. Those who feel more attached to their community are especially likely to be interested in news about local political elections. Advanced statistical analysis shows that the link between community attachment and interest in local political news holds true independent of voter registration status.
2️⃣ Culture beats caution. Creative campaigns, such as student-designed “I Voted” stickers (make it a citywide contest) turn teens into creators; entries + voting = engagement. Colorado ran a statewide high-school digital sticker contest; the winning design got press and distribution.
3️⃣ Cities are trusted messengers. When information comes directly from local government, especially on platforms like TikTok, Nextdoor, or Instagram, residents are 60% more likely to engage than through national campaigns.
This part really matters: Government can’t afford to sound boring. Democracy depends on participation, and participation depends on connection. You don’t need Broadway rights or MTV cameras, just creativity, courage, and a willingness to meet people where they are.
💡 What You Can Do:
Think “culture,” not “campaign.” Partner with local artists, schools, or musicians to make voting feel like part of the community’s identity.
Start storytelling early. Build anticipation weeks ahead with behind-the-scenes content and personal stories from first-time voters.
Make it shareable. Residents want to amplify things that reflect their pride. Use humor, music, or emotion that people can repost with a simple “This is my town.”
Keep it local. Translate dates, polling info, and FAQs into visuals that are actually helpful. A clear map graphic beats a wall of text every time.
Try this:
🎬 Recreate a popular song lyric or meme with a local twist.
💬 Host a “Why I Vote” challenge for staff and residents.
📱 Film a 30-second “first vote” story with a young voter, then feature it citywide.
How is your city engaging voters this year?
Hit reply and tell me what’s the most creative civic campaign you’ve ever seen. I might feature your example in an upcoming issue.
—Dana
Sponsored by Orlo
This month, we’re proud to be supported by Orlo, the digital engagement platform built for the public sector.
From social media management and archiving to AI insights and customer service management, Orlo helps teams streamline communications, stay responsive, and build public trust—whether it’s crisis comms or everyday updates.
🎤 Want me to speak at your next event?
From virtual keynotes to in-person workshops, I partner with city teams, associations, and organizations to talk about what’s next in digital engagement, citizen experience, and government storytelling.
