Influencing
Voting rights in Finnish elections
In Finland, all Finnish citizens aged 18 or over have the right to vote in elections. In municipal and European Parliament elections, voting rights are also granted, under certain conditions, to citizens of other countries residing in Finland. In elections to the European Parliament, citizens of other EU countries may also vote if they are registered in the voting register in Finland.
In municipal elections, citizens of all countries who have had a municipality of residence in Finland for at least two years are entitled to vote. Before the elections, all eligible voters receive a written notification of their right to vote. The letter also includes information about the exact date of the elections and polling stations.
You can vote either on election day or in advance. You can also stand as a candidate in the elections.
Influence and participation
Legislation guarantees that everyone has the opportunity to influence matters in their municipality and to participate in local decision‑making. You can also submit initiatives and provide feedback to the relevant authority you are dealing with. Together, we can make better decisions!
Youth council
The Youth Council (ages 13–20) brings young people’s perspectives to municipal decision‑making, promotes cooperation between young people and the city, and develops services for young people.
Council for Older People
The Council for Older People focuses on the well‑being of the elderly population and promotes dialogue within the city.
Council for People with Disabilities
The Council for People with Disabilities promotes the well‑being of people with disabilities in the city.
Student Association of Seinäjoki Adult Education Centre
The purpose of the Student Association Board is to represent and promote the interests of the institute’s students and their opportunities to participate and have an influence.
The Student Association is a self‑governing organisation of students. All students who have paid the course fee at the Adult Education Centre during the academic year are members of the association.
The association has a designated board that works in cooperation with the institute’s staff and is responsible for its activities.
Local resident’s initiatives
You can submit a municipal initiative, as well as support and follow initiatives submitted by others.
City council
The councillors elected by residents in municipal elections exercise the highest decision‑making authority in the municipality. They make strategic decisions and adopt policies that have a direct impact on local residents.
Village and neighbourhood activities
There are active associations in residential areas. Find the community nearest to you here and join in developing your local neighbourhood!
Participating in civil society organisations
Many residents influence societal matters by participating in organisations. Finland has a wide range of organisations whose mission is to promote social development. These organisations bring together large numbers of people who want to advocate for change in different societal issues.
Working together makes it easier and more effective to achieve change. You are encouraged to actively participate in volunteer activities organised by these organisations.