In Mark's advisory referendum, a preliminary 72% voted no to allowing grades 4–6 at schools in Björketorp, Fotskäl, Öxabäck and Torestorp to be moved. A total of 16,490 votes were recorded, including 298 blank and 51 other invalid ballots. The final result is due on 18 September; the council makes the formal decision.
What happened?
The referendum was held alongside the general elections after a citizens' initiative concerning the school structure. The question asked whether grades 4–6 at four named schools could be moved. The preliminary summary reports 72% voting no.
The municipality records 16,490 votes, of which 298 were invalid blanks and 51 invalid for other reasons. The news item does not state exact yes and no totals, so these should not be inferred without the full result data.
Location
Mark, Västra Götalands län
Impact and significance
The outcome shows a clear provisional public view on a local school-organisation question. Because the referendum is advisory, it neither automatically moves classes nor legally blocks a future decision. The municipal council must consider the result alongside other evidence and make the formal decision.
The distinction between advisory and binding referendums is central. A political decision departing from the result would require public justification, but the notice does not say how the council will act.
Background
The municipal council decided on 19 March 2026 to hold the referendum after the citizens' initiative was submitted. Holding it alongside parliamentary, regional and municipal elections allowed the same election day to be used, but the local question is counted and reported separately.
The four schools are in Björketorp, Fotskäl, Öxabäck and Torestorp. The wording asks whether middle grades may be moved; it is not an already adopted decision identifying a destination school or timetable.
Latest update
The 14 September result is provisional. Mark Municipality plans to publish the final result on Friday 18 September. Subsequent reporting must distinguish between confirmed vote totals and the council's later substantive decision on the school structure. The timing and evidence for that later decision are not stated in this notice and require separate follow-up.
Sources
Related analysis
Reviewed: 2026-09-15. Independent editorial content. WUA Sverige is not affiliated with any political party.