Empowering first-time voters: YEAs Albania in the #IDecide Campaign

As Albania heads to the polls today to elect 140 members of its Parliament, the #IDecide campaign marks the culmination of four weeks of grassroots youth engagement led by the Young European Ambassadors (YEAs). Launched at a pivotal moment, the campaign set out to empower young Albanians to participate meaningfully in the electoral process and make informed decisions at the ballot box. Throughout the past month, YEAs in Albania have been on the move visiting towns like Fier, Vlora, and Rrëshen where they connected directly with young people through workshops, open discussions, and interactive sessions. These events created space for honest conversations about how and where to vote, what civic rights young people hold, and why their voices matter in a democracy – topics that often remain unclear for first-time voters. “The #IDecide campaign is all about encouraging young people to take an active role in the electoral process,” Stjuart explains. “Through workshops and conversations, we’re working to fill an important gap: many young people still don’t have access to basic information like where and how to vote, what their rights are, or even why their participation matters.” By making information more accessible and relatable, the campaign aims to empower young people to feel confident and make informed decisions. For Stjuart, now in his second year of involvement, the experience continues to be just as eye-opening. Each visit and each conversation bring fresh insights into the challenges young people face when it comes to civic participation. “Being a Young European Ambassador makes this work even more meaningful,” he shares. “The campaign reflects what YEAs stand for- bringing Europe closer to young people and helping them realize that their voice truly matters.”

Across towns and conversations, certain themes have come up time and again: misinformation, distrust in institutions, and doubts about whether one vote can make an impact. But once space for dialogue is opened, perspectives begin to shift.

As someone with a passion for digital communication, Stjuart’s workshops have focused especially on the role of social media during election periods. He’s been helping young people understand how to identify misinformation, participate in constructive dialogue, and use their online presence to motivate others to engage.

“In today’s fast-paced digital environment, being well-informed online is just as important as being informed offline,” he emphasizes. “Many young people told me they had never really thought about the impact of what they post until now, and that’s a conversation I’m glad we’re starting.”

For Stjuart, the most powerful moments come when awareness sparks change. “When someone tells me, ‘I didn’t know this before,’ or ‘Now I feel like I can make a difference,’ that’s everything.”

Support from the European Union Delegation in Albania has added institutional weight to the campaign, showing young people that their concerns are being heard not only by their peers, but also by national and international actors invested in strengthening democratic participation.

As the #IDecide campaign wraps up today with the nation casting its votes, the energy and commitment of young people like Stjuart send a clear message: with the right tools and support, youth are not only ready but eager to shape the future of their democracy.