Taking the Reins

Democracy shouldn’t be limited to casting a ballot and waiting passively for four years. In this episode of “Unrigged,” we explore participatory models of democracy between elections, highlighting the continuous importance of citizens' voices. There's a growing demand, particularly from younger generations, for greater influence outside election cycles. From Ireland’s positive referendum culture to a youth organisation in Boston promoting participatory budgeting, politics is shifting towards models where millions make daily decisions. Despite political promises to return power to the people, true change requires altering the decision-making process. To boost participation and combat apathy, we must move beyond slogans to clear, empowering proposals. Meet individuals in this episode who actively engage their democratic muscle beyond just voting.