Democratic Participation of Blitar Regency Citizens Perception and Motivation of Blitar Regency Voters in 2020 Regional Head Election

Abstract

Democratic participation is a must and an important part for every citizen as the holder of sovereignty of a republic. The high level of democratic participation shows that the community is sensitive to any existing political problems and has a desire to be involved in decision making. The high participation rate is certainly based on certain motivations from the perpetrators. The participation referred in this study are; people's perceptions of election organizers so that they are involved in the activities which they carry out, public perceptions of public debates so that they take a part in the event, the level of attendance of voters in voting for the 2020 Regent and deputy regent elections along with their motivation and behavior towards the implementation of regional head elections. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with research areas throughout Blitar Regency in the election of regents and deputy regents in 2020. The results of this study are the majority of Blitar residents know about the election organizers. They update information about the holding of elections through various existing media, although a few of Blitar resudents have been active in the activities organized by the KPU. Only a few (less than 50%) of the electorate witnessed or participated in the candidate debates. As many as 62% of voters attended the polling station because they were motivated by their obligations as a community and wanted better management of the Blitar Regency government.