Finland parish election voting machines released

The voting machines for the upcoming parish elections in Finland have been released. Approximately 75 percent of the 11,400 candidates, totaling about 8,550 individuals, have responded to the questions.

A notable trend in this election cycle is the high number of new candidates, who account for nearly 70 percent of the total pool. Among these new candidates, 77 percent have participated in the voting machine process. Candidates under the age of 30 have shown the highest level of engagement with the voting machine.

In addition to general questions, 153 parishes have developed their own local questions. A specific voting machine has also been created for young voters, with questions formulated by the NAVI group (Young Adult Influences in the Church) and representatives from youth influence groups within parishes. This initiative reflects a significant increase in candidates under 30, with 624 running for church councils and 324 for parish councils.

Advance voting will take place from November 3 to November 7 at any designated advance voting station in Finland. The official election day is Sunday, November 15. To vote, individuals must be members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and be at least 16 years old by election day.