Practical election guide
On 13 September 2026, Sweden elects the Riksdag and regional and municipal councils. This guide brings together the key dates and rules, using the Swedish Election Authority as its primary source.
Key dates
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Postal voting from abroad beginsSwedish citizens abroad may begin sending postal votes.
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Voting eligibility is determinedThe electoral roll is based on population-register information on this date.
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Advance voting in Sweden beginsYou may vote at any advance-voting location.
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Election dayPolling stations are open 08:00–20:00 and the preliminary count starts after closing.
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Final count beginsCounty administrative boards scrutinise and count the votes.
Who can vote?
For the Riksdag election, you must be at least 18 on election day, be a Swedish citizen and be or have been listed in the Swedish Population Register. Municipal and regional eligibility rules differ and may also include certain foreign citizens registered in Sweden.
Swedish citizens abroad vote only in the Riksdag election and must be on the electoral roll. After ten years abroad, a new registration is normally required.
How to vote
Check your details
Your voting card shows which elections you can vote in and your assigned polling station. You need to prove your identity.
Choose a ballot
Yellow is for the Riksdag, blue for the region and white for the municipality. You vote for a party and may also cast a personal vote.
Vote in time
Vote in advance from 26 August or at your polling station on 13 September.
Preliminary and final results
A preliminary result is reported on election night. The county administrative boards begin the final count the following day. The final Riksdag result is expected about a week after election day.