Social and healthcare services, as well as rescue services, were transferred to county councils in 2022. The first county elections were held then. Now, for the first time, municipal and regional elections will be held simultaneously. What are these elections about? What decisions are made by municipal councils and what by county councils? When do the elections take place, and who is eligible to vote? Read METKA’s guide to the elections.
Municipal Elections
Municipal elections decide on matters such as:
- Student housing – rent levels and zoning
- Public transport – ticket prices, routes, and schedules
- Services – libraries, self-study spaces, and opening hours
- Sports and leisure – sports facilities, youth centers, and cultural events
In Helsinki, 85 members are elected to the City Council, in Vantaa 67, and in Espoo 75. Like in parliamentary elections, candidates typically represent political parties.
County Elections
County elections decide on matters such as:
- Healthcare – services not covered by FSHS, such as emergency and specialist care
- Mental health services – psychologists and low-threshold counseling
- Social services – financial aid, crisis support, and housing assistance
- Rescue services – emergency medical services, fire departments, and rescue operations
In Helsinki, no county council is elected, as the city organizes its own social and healthcare services and rescue operations. However, in Vantaa and Kerava’s welfare region (Vakehyva), 69 representatives are elected. In the Western Uusimaa county council (which includes Espoo), 79 representatives are elected.
What, Where, and When?
Key Dates
- Voter register data collected: February 21, 2025 (you vote in the municipality and welfare region where you were registered on this date)
- Advance voting in Finland: April 2–8, 2025
- Advance voting abroad: April 2–5, 2025
- Election Day: April 13, 2025
Where to Vote?
Advance voting: You can vote at any general polling station in Finland or abroad. Find the most convenient location from this link. For detailed instructions on voting process, please visit this link.
On Election Day: You must vote at your designated polling station, usually a school or community center in your residential area. Find your polling station in the voting notification letter or check it from this link. For detailed instructions on voting process, please visit this link.
To vote, you need an official photo ID issued by the police, such as a passport, ID card, or driver’s license. You do not need to bring your voting notification letter. You can vote in both Municipal and County elections at the same time. You will receive one purple ballot (county elections) and one white ballot (municipal elections). In Helsinki, only a white ballot is given.
Who Can Vote?
In the municipal elections, a person who reaches the age of 18 years no later than on election day has the right to vote, if the person is
a) citizens of Finland or another Member State of the European Union as well as of Iceland and Norway who have reached the age of 18 not later than on the day of the election, and whose municipality of residence, as defined by law, is the municipality in question on the 51st day (21 February 2025) before election day,
b) other foreigners who have reached the age of 18 not later than on the day of the election, and whose municipality of residence, as defined by law, is the municipality in question on the 51st day before election day, and who at that time have had a municipality of residence in Finland for an uninterrupted period of two years and
c) those who are employed by the European Union or an international organisation based in Finland and who are habitually resident in the municipality in question on the 51st day before the election day, provided that their personal information has, at their request, been entered into the Population Information System and that they have submitted a written notification to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency on the 52nd day (20 February 2025) before the election day, stating that they wish to exercise their right to vote in the municipal elections.
This post is also available in Suomi.