Cēsis children vote on cakes and youth events alongside Saeima election

Children and teenagers in Cēsis municipality are holding their own elections alongside Latvia’s parliamentary vote, choosing treats, activities and events that matter to them, LSM reported.

Ballots were distributed at schools and kindergartens, near the polling stations for the parliamentary election. Preschoolers are choosing a cake to share at their kindergarten’s national holiday celebration. Pupils in grades 1 to 6 are voting on a new leisure activity, such as outdoor table tennis or novuss, while students in grades 7 to 12 are selecting a youth event for next year, including options such as a young talent, sports or music festival.

Cēsis municipality representative Aleksandrs Abramovs said children had discussed the vote at school and at home and would go to polling stations with their parents. The children’s ballots are to be left at the same locations as the parliamentary ballots, but in separate rooms.

Children and young people in Cēsis city also held elections during the previous parliamentary vote, choosing the colour of flowers in Maija Park, a new playground structure and a location for a free drinking-water tap. Thirty-six percent of children and teenagers took part. This year’s vote covers the whole municipality. Similar children’s elections are being held in Liepāja and Bauska municipality.