Early and absentee voting for the 28 October snap elections suggests voter turnout might be higher than in last year's parliamentary elections. Both elections were called following the collapse of majority governments in scandal, before the regular 4 year parliamentary term was up.
Early voting off to a good start
A total of 764 people had already cast their ballots on Friday, the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service reports, significantly more than last year, when 533 people had cast early or absentee ballots. The 30% increase in early and absentee ballots cast when three weeks remain until election day could suggest voters are more engaged.
Early voting began on September 20. However, candidates and parties have until October 13 to hand in paperwork to secure a spot on the ballot, including the signatures of 300-440 voters in each district where the party intends to run. On October 18 the Election Commission will announce which candidates and parties have qualified for the ballot. A total of 12 parties have announced they intend to run. Polls suggest only 7 will make it past the 5% threshold required to secure representation in parliament.
The elections will be held on Saturday October 28.
Read more: Analysis: Latest polls confirm Left Greens are largest party in lead-up to snap elections
Early and absentee voting for the 28 October snap elections suggests voter turnout might be higher than in last year's parliamentary elections. Both elections were called following the collapse of majority governments in scandal, before the regular 4 year parliamentary term was up.
Early voting off to a good start
A total of 764 people had already cast their ballots on Friday, the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service reports, significantly more than last year, when 533 people had cast early or absentee ballots. The 30% increase in early and absentee ballots cast when three weeks remain until election day could suggest voters are more engaged.
Early voting began on September 20. However, candidates and parties have until October 13 to hand in paperwork to secure a spot on the ballot, including the signatures of 300-440 voters in each district where the party intends to run. On October 18 the Election Commission will announce which candidates and parties have qualified for the ballot. A total of 12 parties have announced they intend to run. Polls suggest only 7 will make it past the 5% threshold required to secure representation in parliament.
The elections will be held on Saturday October 28.
Read more: Analysis: Latest polls confirm Left Greens are largest party in lead-up to snap elections
