Winter campaigning presents significant hurdles for political parties, including harsh weather and decreased voter interaction. Campaigners like Joshua Kraski from the CDU face challenges engaging with the public but maintain optimism through direct conversations. Meanwhile, local party members, such as those from the FDP, adapt by preparing posters indoors before venturing out. Newcomers like Niklas Baumbach from the Greens embrace the opportunity to promote their values, all amid a competitive and evolving electoral landscape.
Challenges of Winter Campaigning
The election campaign in January brings forth a unique set of challenges for political parties. With shorter days, chilly weather, and fewer pedestrians on the streets, engaging with voters becomes a daunting task. How are campaigners navigating these obstacles?
Joshua Kraski, a dedicated 23-year-old from the CDU, remains persistent in his efforts. “Hello, this is Joshua from the CDU; we wanted to share some information about the upcoming federal election,” he cheerfully announces. However, he often receives unwelcoming responses, such as “Just throw it in the mailbox,” through the intercom.
Despite the cold reception, Kraski maintains his upbeat attitude, wishing the residents a pleasant weekend as he drops his flyers into the mailbox. Membership numbers for many political parties have been in decline for years, but recent changes since the traffic light coalition have sparked renewed interest.
Grassroots Engagement and Social Media Strategy
As a door-to-door campaigner in the Hitdorf district of Leverkusen, Kraski not only needs to bundle up against the cold but also possess a strong tolerance for frustration. Occasionally, he finds success when a door opens, leading to meaningful conversations.
One interaction with an elderly woman reveals that she previously voted for the CDU but abstained in the last election. Curious about what changes the party needs to make, Kraski listens as she expresses her concerns about local businesses moving abroad. She appreciates the direct approach and engagement at her doorstep.
Encouraged by their discussion, Kraski believes he may have swayed her opinion in favor of the CDU for the February federal election. “Politics must be approachable; that builds trust,” he reflects as he trudges through the snow toward his next destination. This year, the winter campaign proves to be a more challenging endeavor. “When it rains, a winter campaign is particularly tough, especially since people are less inclined to be outside,” he explains.
For the Leverkusen FDP, the cold weather complicates the task of putting up posters. To streamline their efforts, the local party members gather at headquarters to prepare their election posters meticulously. Ten volunteers work together, aligning the front and back of the posters and securing them on one side with cable ties. “This way, it’s quicker at the lamp post, and it’s much warmer in here than out there,” notes chairwoman Petra Franke.
Franke takes the opportunity to remind her team about the regulations for poster placement, which vary across cities. In Leverkusen, for example, only one poster is permitted per lamp post, and the next three must remain vacant for other parties. She warns of potential fines, emphasizing the importance of following the rules as a party committed to lawfulness.
Finding volunteers for poster placement during winter can be challenging. Standing on a ladder in freezing temperatures for hours is not a task everyone is willing to undertake. The next day, she plans to venture out with a fellow party member to secure optimal lamp posts in the pedestrian zone.
Niklas Baumbach, a first-time campaigner for the Greens, is undeterred by the cold as he hangs up posters. He appreciates the strategic positioning of their chosen lamp post at a busy intersection, where drivers must stop at the traffic light. “It’s a great spot for visibility,” he remarks with satisfaction.
Having joined the Greens just months prior, Baumbach feels that the upcoming elections are the ideal opportunity to advocate for his values. Despite the chill, he enjoys the camaraderie of his fellow party members, making the poster-hanging experience enjoyable, even with cold fingers.
As political parties gear up for the federal election, not all have agreed to a fair campaigning arrangement, highlighting the ongoing complexities of the election landscape.