Estonian president calls on young people to vote in local polls

TALLINN - Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid launched a campaign on social media which calls on young people to take part in the upcoming municipal government elections.

A social media campaign initiated by Kaljulaid launched on Monday. The campaign calls on young people to take part in the local elections and share their ideas on what could be improved in their home town or region, spokespeople for the president said.

For the first time in the history of Estonia, 16- and 17-year-old residents are able to vote. "There is 10 days until the start of the election period," Kaljulaid said, adding that now is the right time to discuss politics with friends and at school to decide what one wants to be changed in one's home town or region. According to Kaljulaid, young people should vote for the politicians who let them think for themselves.

The campaign video also includes Estonian actors, musicians, journalists and other public figures who talk about what they would have changed in their home town if they had the chance to vote at 16.