Who can vote?
This spring in April, two important elections will be held: the county and municipal elections. On this page, you will find information about the elections and who can vote.
More infomation can be found at vaalit.fi.
Voting dates
This spring, in 2025, municipal and regional elections will be held simultaneously. The election day is Sunday, 13th of April and advance voting in Finland takes place from 2nd of April to 8th of April.
County elections
In county elections, residents vote for representatives who make decisions about essential public services at the regional level.
These include for example:
Healthcare and Social Services: The wellbeing services counties manage public hospitals, health centers, and social care services such as child welfare and elderly care.
Emergency and Rescue Services: Counties are responsible for organizing fire departments and emergency response units.
County councils elected in these elections set policies, budgets, and priorities for these services, ensuring they meet the needs of local residents.
Municipal elections
City councils have a direct impact on daily life in their communities, making decisions on services and policies that shape the local environment.
These councils make decisions on:
Education and Schools: The development and funding of local schools, daycare centers, and libraries.
Local Infrastructure and Transportation: Road maintenance, public transportation, and urban planning, including zoning laws.
Cultural and Recreational Services: Support for sports facilities, parks, and community events.
Environmental Policies: Local climate and sustainability initiatives, waste management, and water services.
Who can vote?
Municipal elections:
Citizens of Finland, other EU member states, Iceland, and Norway whose municipality of residence is the relevant municipality on the 51st day before election day (February 21, 2025).
Citizens of other countries whose municipality of residence is the relevant municipality on the 51st day before election day and who have lived continuously in Finland for at least two years from that date.
County elections:
Citizens of Finland, other EU member states, Iceland, and Norway who reside in a wellbeing services county on the 51st day before election day (February 21, 2025).
Citizens of other countries who reside in a county on the 51st day before election day and have lived continuously in Finland for at least two years prior to that date.