Voting is SEXY: 2025 municipal elections edition
Have you ever noticed how the things that shape your everyday life the most are often the ones you think about the least? Like all the small businesses you stroll past on your way to work, the parks where you relax, or how monthly HSL tickets somehow became more expensive than concert tickets? These things impact us daily, but we hardly ever give them the attention they deserve—until they’re gone.
It’s kind of like that plant sitting in the corner of your flat. You know it’s important (at least for the vibes), but watering it always feels like tomorrow’s problem. And just like that plant, the stuff that keeps your city running smoothly is shaped by decisions happening right now, whether you're paying attention or not. Ignore it long enough, and don’t be surprised when things start wilting—or worse, disappearing altogether.
So, why does any of this matter? Because the things you actually care about; public transport, affordable housing, green spaces, opportunities for young people and internationals, are all decided by a group of people while most of us are blissfully unaware. In 2021, less than 40% of under-30s bothered to vote in Finland’s city council elections. Meanwhile, 70% of over-70s showed up like it was the grand final of bingo night at the local community centre. And as much as I love my grandparents, they aren’t the ones stressing about rising transport costs or the lack of fun urban hangout spots.
If you’re not voting, you’re leaving the decisions about your life to people who probably don’t even know the pain of waiting months for a decent student flat or how tricky it is to juggle part-time work and studies. And it’s not just young people. Internationals, you’re in this too. In fact, if you're an EU citizen or have lived in Finland for 2+ years, you're eligible to vote in the municipal elections next spring. In the last elections, only 23% of eligible internationals voted. Twenty-three per cent! That’s worse odds than getting through the Kipsari lunch line in under 15 minutes! Yet internationals are a huge part of what makes Helsinki and Espoo vibrant, diverse, and, well, liveable.
Still not convinced why local elections matter? Let’s break it down. City councils wield significant power when it comes to things like local culture and arts funding, public transportation, urban development, and affordable housing. These aren’t just buzzwords; they directly affect how you experience your city. Councils decide what gets prioritised, what gets built, and where money is allocated. Local elections give you a say in how all of this unfolds. Your vote is your voice in shaping the city around you.
Wondering where to start? The good news is, it’s easier than ever to find information about candidates in your local election. Websites like Yle Vaalikone list candidates and their positions on key issues (even in English) and can show you which ones align with your views. Candidates are also active on social media, where you can engage with their ideas, ask questions, and get a better sense of who represents your interests. Most are genuinely in it to make a difference, so don’t hesitate to reach out, or even ask a candidate for a coffee to talk about what matters to you.
I know, I know—you’re probably thinking, “I’ll get to it later.” But here’s the kicker. April 2025 will sneak up on you faster than that last-minute group project nobody started. Election day is April 13th, but the advanced voting period from April 2nd to 8th gives you a whole week to vote early! And trust me, voting early is like finishing your assignment way before the deadline—rare, but incredibly satisfying.
So, what’s the takeaway? If we don’t vote, other people will, and they might not prioritise the things that matter the most to us. Our cities depend on who shows up at the polls. Voting is powerful, and it’s also SEXY!
Isaac Jyväsjärvi, 23, is a Master's student in IDBM at Aalto University and a candidate for Helsinki City Council in 2025. Raised in Helsinki, now living in the neighbourhood Kallio, he is passionate about sustainability, internationalism, and community, working as an entrepreneur and activist.
Read more about the voting statistics this article refers to here.
