A 14-year-old from northern Denmark is turning heads in local politics after speaking out at a debate, where young citizens presented their ideas directly to city council candidates. His message: youth voices matter, even before they can vote.
A new kind of local debate
In the town of Støvring, a unique event took place earlier this week. Six residents were invited to present their main idea to local politicians instead of the other way around. Among them was 14-year-old Lucas Langkjær Damtoft, an 8th-grade student at Karensmindeskolen and chair of the joint student council for Rebild Municipality.
Despite being four years away from voting age, Lucas had a clear message for those making decisions in the upcoming term. He argued that young people need a proper place to spend time after school, something that is not too childish but still safe and welcoming.
He suggested that the city council create a youth café and organize soda-only discos in Støvring. According to Lucas, teenagers currently hang out near kindergartens and schools in the evenings because there is no designated space for them. His appeal came during a packed community meeting where local politicians listened closely to each citizen’s presentation.
Warm responses from local politicians
From what I can tell, Lucas’s proposal made a strong impression. The local politicians praised his initiative and encouraged his involvement. Steen Aarup Thomsen, a first-time Social Democratic candidate from Støvring, noted that he would support an effort to make the project a reality. He recalled attending youth events in his own teenage years and suggested that reviving such activities could strengthen the sense of community among local young people.
Meanwhile, others in the room expressed hope that Lucas himself might appear on campaign posters when he turns 18. His confidence and directness clearly left a mark.
Young voices and civic participation
Although Lucas cannot yet vote or run for office, he demonstrates how civic engagement can start early. Events like this so-called “reverse debate” aim to bring new perspectives into Danish local elections, where discussion often focuses on roads, budgets, or taxes instead of youth concerns. In many Danish municipalities, including Rebild, community debate sessions invite everyday citizens to share thoughts directly with politicians—a way to make democracy more personal and accessible.
Even though Lucas admitted being nervous about speaking in front of a full audience, his message was clear: many Danish teenagers feel overlooked when decisions about local facilities and youth spaces are made. Giving them a voice not only helps solve practical issues but also builds long-term political interest in future voters.
Looking toward the next election
In contrast to the usual complaints about political apathy among the young, Lucas’s participation shows a different side of youth engagement in Denmark. His hope is not only to get a youth café built but also to inspire others under 18 to speak up about what matters to them. Because of that, more municipalities are considering initiatives that make it easier for younger residents to share ideas in public forums, even before they reach the legal voting age.
As a result, the local debate in Støvring may be small, but it resonates beyond one town. It underlines how community democracy depends on people taking part at every age. While the upcoming local elections will be decided by adults, voices like Lucas’s help shape the priorities that candidates cannot ignore. Without a doubt, this mix of youthful input and political openness reflects an important side of modern Danish democracy—one that starts long before the first ballot is ever cast.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Local Elections See Half of Voters Still Undecided
DR: 14-årige Lucas blander sig i KV-debatten – unge bliver ofte overset
