A few keystrokes in the test and here is your candidate

Danish local elections were held yesterday. Many citizens took online tests to figure out who to vote for. However, they have doubts on their reliability, as explains Aarhus’ mayor, Jacob Bundsgaard.

Video of people casting their votes at 17:00 in Aarhus’ City Hall. CREDIT: Maia Galmés Feuer

By: Fredrik Holtekjølen & Maia Galmés Feuer

16 November marks the day that Danish citizens walk over to different city venues to cast their vote. The Aarhus town hall doors have been witnessing fellow visitors that have been roaming in and out of the building throughout the whole day. Hundreds of meters of election sheets got swallowed by the ballot boxes, and around midnight the results were revealed.

For many Danes, the local elections can be a struggle, especially if they are first-time voters. This is why many citizens use online tests that seem to provide them with the answer to the most critical question: “Who should I vote for?”.

Aarhus-mayor’s test matches 87% with himself

Aarhus mayor, Jacob Bundsgaard, in the City Hall during the election day. CREDIT: Maia Galmés Feuer

The mayor of Aarhus, Jacob Bundsgaard, who has been in office since 2011 and represents the Social Democrats, has a different take on these tests. He believes voters should gather information from other reliable sources.

“An online test is a guidance, but not really that precise ”, says Bundsgaard. “Online tests are supposed to help voters make up their minds and make it easier to know which candidate you agree with the most”, he adds. One such test is created by state-owned DR. Here you match by percentage how much you agree with the party’s candidates.

“I took the test myself and I’m only 87% in agreement with myself”, Bundsgaard points out.

Used the test to make up her mind

For Irina Kakhoun, an Aarhus citizen that attended the City Hall polling station to cast her vote, the online test provided her sufficient information to feel confident with it.

Nevertheless, she claims that these tests “are not a great way to convey this information”, as they only show the answers that a candidate has to some specific questions but does not show what the questions code for or what policy they stand for.

Irina Kakhoun, a Danish citizen, after casting her vote in Aarhus’ City Hall. CREDIT: Maia Galmés Feuer

Kakhoun adds that she took the test because that was “what was available”, as she does not understand the system very well and does not know where to find that information.

“The online test seems like the easiest way to participate in democracy”.

Not trustworthy, according to expert

Christian Petersen, a political science graduate who works at the Town Hall, admits taking the online tests, but he does not base his vote on its results.

“I think the tests are too simple and I don’t trust them because it reduces complicated issues, like raising tax to agree or disagree, and that is a much more complicated matter than what a test can provide ”.

He suggests voters seek information on political matters through candidates’ social media accounts, but for those who are not interested in politics, it is better to take a test and base their vote on it, than not to vote at all.

Christian Petersen, a political science expert and worker in the City Hall, behind the desk during the elections. CREDIT: Maia Galmés Feuer

Denmark usually has a high voter turnout, and the current mayor expects these elections to be no exception – with or without online tests. He says citizens should first and foremost seek information on their own.

“The questions in online tests are formulated by people that have their own opinions, so it is important to make up your own mind”.

TARGET AUDIENCE: People within the EU with special interest in Danish political matters and using technology as a political tool.

In It Together – Maia Galmés Feuer

03-09-2021, Aarhus (Denmark)

It seems like it was two months ago when I was waving my mom goodbye at the airport in Palma while drying a few tears off my cheeks. But it has only been two weeks. I guess what they say about our brain calculating time by the number of experiences that we have must be true.

I feel that I have learned so much in these two weeks, and this is only the start of my journey here in Denmark. Aside from meeting amazing and very special people, I have been able to experience Aarhus, which is the city I’m living in, in its full splendor, as the city’s festival has finally been able to take place, after two years of pandemic. This festival is about culture, music and art, and about getting together with your loved ones, just like they say about Christmas, although this is held in the summer. The theme of this year’s festival is “In It Together”, which represents the sense of collectivity when fighting a worldwide pandemic and getting over it thanks to everybody’s work, patience and solidarity towards each other.

Although I have also started school and I’m kind of busy easing into my new everyday routine, I have also made time to go down in the city and see different events, as the festival only lasts 10 days that are now almost over, as it started last Friday, 27 August.

I am writing this letter as I would love to share my experience with you, so that you fall in love with this city, its people and its homeliness as much I have, and you finally buy the tickets to come see me. 😉

First of all, I have to say all streets smelled like beer, but not like an alcohol hangover student apartment, but rather a warm and cozy yeasty smell that reminded me of gatherings and familiar smiles. Besides, I could actually see people smiling, as the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted and masks are not mandatory anymore.

The Festival, therefore, was not only due in the daytime, which was unexpectedly clear-skied and sunny throughout the whole week, but also at night, when the city was lit up by little colored lanterns and when the young people were able to feel young, wild and free once again.

Actually, there were events directed to one age group or another, but other exhibitions, music concerts or art shows that were aimed to all ages. People that walked up and down the streets were not city-rushed, but rather relaxed and charmed by the music that was overheard from different bars that had their doors wide open and their chairs all full. While walking, you would feel the music beat in your chest, and hear the freedom from the slightly louder voices of the Aarhusians, who often need a little alcohol push so as to let go.

I can’t really explain much more in words, and since I know this is not enough to make you buy the plane tickets straight away, I have made a video so that you can see it for yourselves. Still, I genuinely recommend you come because even though the city won’t be lit up by the Festival, the Danes give it strength and warmth and make it shine very much on its own.  

Love xx,

Maia