Regional and municipal elections have not been popular among young people and students.

According to Statistics Finland, in the 2021 municipal elections, only 34% of 20–24-year-olds and 8.6% of students voted, while the most active voters were aged 65–74 (68.3%). A similar trend was seen in the 2022 regional elections, where 26.2% of 20–24-year-olds and less than 10% of students voted. Meanwhile, the participation rate among 65–74-year-olds was 63.2%.

This means that young people's voices are not sufficiently represented in regional and municipal decision-making, even though these decisions affect every student's daily life.

How do elections impact students' daily lives?

In regional elections, representatives are elected to regional councils, and in municipal elections, to municipal councils. Both councils make decisions on issues that affect all residents, including students. These include:

• Public transport – Can you get to school and leisure activities affordably and easily?
   
• Housing – Are there enough affordable student apartments in your municipality?
   
• Social and healthcare services – Is there adequate primary healthcare, specialized medical care, social services, and mental health support in your area?
   
• Economy and services – Are your municipality’s funds used for the right things?
   

These factors play a significant role in shaping student life and ensuring student well-being, which in turn supports the vitality of the municipality and region.

Why is our voice important?

Students form a large group, but currently, our voice is not heard strongly enough in regional and municipal decision-making. It is our responsibility to highlight our perspectives on everyday issues so that we can build the best possible student life for ourselves and future students. The more actively we make our voices heard, the more decision-makers must consider student needs, creating an attractive living environment that benefits the entire city and region.

Why should municipalities and regions care about students?

Students bring vitality, innovation, and workforce to cities and regions. Good services keep students happy and encourage them to stay in the area even after graduation. Municipalities and well-being regions cannot ignore students if they want to develop their areas sustainably!

How can I find the right candidate for me?

Find a suitable candidate through election compasses. For example, Yle’s election compass helps you find a candidate who shares your values. The Youth Election Compass focuses on issues important to young people and provides clear, easy-to-understand information about the elections and key topics. You don’t need to be an expert on every theme to form an opinion—the compass provides a foundation and insights into the current situation.

Where and how to vote?

The official election day is Sunday, April 13, 2025. 

Check advance voting locations and their opening hours here.
You will receive information about your election day voting location by mail or find it here.

Remember to bring your ID to the polling station!

Vote, or someone else will decide for you!

If you don’t vote, you give others the power to decide for you. The student voice is strong when it is heard. Go vote and ensure that your daily life, and that of other students, is represented in decision-making!