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04.04.2025 11:42

Six easy steps to influence everyday life and public services

Day care for shift workers’ kids, affordable housing, public transport, parks and recreation, and accessible and affordable health and social services. Municipalities and well-being services counties decide on key issues for the smooth functioning of service sector workers’ everyday lives. That is why it is important to vote.

Every voter has equal power at the ballot box. But in previous municipal elections, only 23 percent of foreign-born voters used their right to vote. And less than half of service sector voters used their right to vote, while three out of every four specialists voted. Together, we can change this!

Election day is 13 April 2025, with advance voting in Finland on 2-8 April and abroad on 2-5 April.

1. Check if you have the right to vote

Did you get a letter stating your right to vote (äänioikeusilmoitus)? Congratulations!

EU and Nordic citizens have the right to vote in local elections almost immediately. Third-country nationals have the right to vote if they have been residents in Finland for two years without interruption before the election.

2. Find a candidate (who is a PAM member)

You can find PAM members to vote for in the SAK’s candidate galleries. Each candidate included in the SAK galleries is committed to equality, dignity at work and standing up for people.

Municipalities and well-being services counties are responsible for most of the services that are important for our everyday lives and wellbeing.

Candidates in municipal elections
Candidates in county elections

3. See where the closest polling station is

If you vote in advance, you can go to any advance polling station.

On election day, Sunday, 13 April 2025, you can only vote at your designated polling station, that is stated on the notice of the right to vote.

Find advance polling stations and your election day polling station at www.aanestyspaikat.fi  

4. Take your ID with you

You need to prove your identity with a picture ID, passport, driver’s license or other document with a picture. That is the only document you need to have with you to vote.

5. Vote in both elections (unless you live in Helsinki)

At the polling station you get one white ballot paper for the municipal elections and a purple ballot paper for the county elections. Write the number of the candidate you vote for in the circle on the ballot, and nothing else.

Residents of Helsinki only vote in municipal elections, because the City provides the services of a county.

After voting, the Finnish tradition is to go for election coffee (vaalikahvit) to celebrate democracy.

6. Remind your friends to go vote

Increase your influence by reminding your friends and colleagues to vote. Help them find good candidates.

Read more about the elections, PAM’s priorities and what municipalities and counties do

Text: Hildur Boldt

Keywords:

politics

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