The Effectiveness of the Communication Strategy of the Padangsidimpuan City General Election Commission (KPU) in Increasing Voter Participation in the Simultaneous Elections

Usman Riharnol Siskandra Siregar; Arifin Saleh

doi:10.55927/fjmr.v5i1.690

Authors

Usman Riharnol Siskandra Siregar Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara
Arifin Saleh Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjmr.v5i1.690

Keywords:

Communication Strategy, Voter Participation, Political Communication, Simultaneous Elections, Padangsidimpuan City Election Commission

Abstract

Voter participation is a key indicator of the quality of electoral democracy, particularly in the implementation of simultaneous elections at the local level. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the communication strategies implemented by Komisi Pemilihan Umum Kota Padangsidimpuan in increasing voter participation during the simultaneous elections. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation. Research informants included election commissioners, technical staff responsible for voter education and socialization, democracy volunteers, and community members as voters. Data analysis was conducted using interactive analysis techniques involving data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, supported by source and technique triangulation to ensure data validity. The findings reveal that the Election Commission of Padangsidimpuan City applied a combinative communication strategy by integrating face-to-face communication with the use of digital and conventional media. This strategy contributed positively to increasing voters’ knowledge and awareness, particularly through structured socialization activities and social media dissemination. However, the effectiveness of the communication strategy remained partial due to challenges such as political distrust, voter fatigue, and limited two-way interaction in digital media practices.

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