Election 2026

Your vote helps shape Gothenburg

On 13 September 2026, Sweden will hold elections for the national parliament, regional councils and municipal councils.

If you live in Gothenburg, your vote helps decide how the city, healthcare system and Sweden itself will be governed over the next four years.

Election Day

13 September 2026

Polling stations are open from 08:00 to 20:00.

Early Voting

You can vote in advance from 26 August to 13 September 2026.

Early voting is available throughout Sweden and you may vote at any advance voting location.

Voting from Abroad

Swedish citizens living abroad can vote from embassies, consulates or by postal vote. Postal voting from abroad begins on 30 July 2026.

Parliamentary Election (Riksdag)

You can vote if you:

• Are at least 18 years old on Election Day
• Are a Swedish citizen
• Are or have previously been registered as resident in Sweden

Municipal and Regional Elections

You can vote if you:

• Are at least 18 years old on Election Day
• Are registered as a resident in Sweden

And one of the following applies:

• You are a Swedish citizen
• You are a citizen of another EU country, Iceland or Norway
• You are a citizen of another country and have lived in Sweden for at least three consecutive years before Election Day

This means that many international residents are eligible to vote in Gothenburg’s municipal and regional elections even if they are not Swedish citizens.

Gothenburg City Council

The municipality is responsible for:

• Preschools and schools
• Elderly care
• Social services
• Housing and urban planning
• Local streets and public spaces
• Culture and leisure activities

Regional Council – Region Västra Götaland

The region is responsible for:

• Healthcare
• Hospitals
• Primary care
• Public transport
• Regional development

The Swedish Parliament

The national parliament decides matters such as:

• National taxes
• Criminal law
• Defence
• Migration policy
• National welfare systems

Eligible voters will receive a voting card before the election.

If you have a digital mailbox in Sweden, your voting card may be delivered digitally. Otherwise it will be sent by post.

You do not need to bring your voting card to vote.

A valid form of identification is sufficient.

Sweden’s elections are free, secret and transparent.

Votes are counted locally on election night and then verified by the County Administrative Board. The counting process is open to the public and election results are independently checked before becoming official.

This system helps ensure secure and trustworthy elections.

If you live in Gothenburg, the City of Gothenburg provides information about polling stations, accessibility services and local election administration.

You can also contact the Gothenburg Election Committee if you need assistance with voting, accessibility arrangements or other local election matters.

Local and regional elections have a direct impact on everyday life.

Schools, healthcare, elderly care, public transport, housing and neighbourhood safety are all shaped by political decisions.

Your vote matters.