More than 130 000 views within the first few days on YouTube alone show, that even an institutional campaign can spread enthusiasm amongst internet users. Following the claim “There is always time to vote!” three online films published by the European Parliament are triumphantly making their mark in the media landscape of the 27 EU member states.Illustrating the importance of democratic participation in the European Elections, new standards in political communications have been set with this series of highly unconventional internet clips.The films show people in a great hurry, who are nonetheless taking the time to vote. With its original characters like the scream-queen being chased by a horror-movie monster or the bankrobbers on the run, the three films communicate the elections in a most entertaining way.

And this concept worked out just great: The films have had an overwhelming impact on the public perception of the European elections by finding their way very quickly into numerous online and offline publications. Media all across Europe embedded the videos in their editorial content, for example, they were featured by the BBC (UK), ZDF (Germany), RTVE (Spain) and various newspapers. Even German chancellor Merkel mentioned them on her Facebook profile.