On 13 October 2026, the online event “Plug In and Speak Up: Youth Digital Voting Debate” brought together 167 participants from 9 countries (incl. high school students) for a dynamic discussion on the future of democratic participation in the digital age.
Organised within the DIGIVOTE project, with FECE as lead partner, the event united young people, educators, academics, experts, civil-society representatives, and policy stakeholders to explore digital voting as a tool for strengthening youth engagement and democratic participation.
Participants discussed the opportunities offered by digital voting—particularly its potential convenience and accessibility—while also highlighting the need for trust, security, inclusion, and meaningful youth involvement. The discussion emphasised that young people should not be seen only as future voters, but as active co-designers of democratic processes and systems across Europe.
An interactive breakout sessions gave young participants the opportunity to share their perspectives on five realistic scenarious that were connected to digital voting. Participants worked for one hour and created their own raise-awareness campaigns to promote digital voting.
The event demonstrated strong interest in digital voting and reinforced the importance of inclusive design, digital-skills support, and accessible technology to ensure that digital participation expands democratic opportunities rather than deepening inequalities.