Finland’s first general and equal election was established during the parliament election in 1907. Before this, the right to vote was restricted to small group and women were not allowed to vote.

Universal and equal right to vote means that every adult citizen has the right to vote and that each person entitled to vote has one vote. It must be used personally and one cannot vote on the behalf of other. Voting is not compulsory. The age to exercise voting right is 18 and above according to the Finnish law.

Right to vote is secret. Nobody can know which candidate you voted for, not even the election authorities. Electoral arrangements must ensure the secrecy of the election.

Parliamentary and municipal elections are held every four years. Presidential elections are held every six years and EU elections every five years. The Åland Islands hold their own general and parliamentary elections every four years at different times than elsewhere in Finland. In addition to these elections, consultative referendums can be held in the state and municipalities.

Any candidate can vote in the presidential and EU elections. In the parliamentary elections, the candidate of his own constituency is voted and in the municipal elections, the candidate of his own municipality. In good time before the election, there will be a postal notice on the right to vote. Voting can be done in advance at any polling station or at the polling station indicated on the Election Day itself.

Voting is a fundamental right of every adult citizen. The right to vote can only be lost by renouncing Finnish citizenship.

In addition to state elections, it is possible to vote in parish elections. They are held every four years in November and are open to all ward members over the age of 16.

Check here for more info about voting.