THE BALLOT – PIECE OF PAPER OR TOOL OF POWER @ NORDIC CULTURE POINT, HELSINKI, 6 MARCH – 5 APRIL, 2023

“THE BALLOT” is an exhibition about a small but highly significant artefact: the ballot paper. Taking place during the time of the Finnish parliamentary elections in 2023, the exhibition tracks the evolution of the ballot paper in Finland, the other Nordic countries, Germany, and Lithuania by presenting 60 historic artefacts from 1856 to 2021.

 

Why do the ballot papers look the way they do? Who actually designed them? How come the ballots are so different between countries with similar political systems? How do ballots reflect political trends and events over time? Is the current ballot design the best we can do or is there space for improvement?

 

The evolution of the Finnish ballot started with one of the most progressive electoral laws in 1906, featuring oversized, so-called bed sheet ballots. Starting in 1945 Finland switched to one of the smallest ballots in the world, nicknamed appropriately the miniature ballot, which is still in use today. Even though this ballot paper has passed through the hands of most Finns, it is hitherto unknown who actually designed this innovative ballot. The exhibition can provide a likely answer to this question.

 

The opening event takes place on March 15th at 17:00 at Nordic Culture Point in Kaisaniemi.

Come and check out exciting ballots from Finland, Germany, the Nordic countries and beyond.

 

The opening will also feature an entertaining panel that will deconstruct ballots live on stage. Three experts from different fields of knowledge, such as UX design, democratic governance and art will pass judgement on a number of ballot contestants. Further events are especially catering for young and first-time voters.