Kristín Edwald reassures no polling station postponements expected despite weather concerns in Iceland

Kristín Edwald, the head of the National Electoral Commission, has indicated that it is unlikely polling stations will need to be postponed today, despite concerns regarding severe weather conditions affecting the voting process across the country.

As per her statement, everything has proceeded smoothly so far, making postponement appear unnecessary. However, she acknowledged that any changes in conditions could prompt a reevaluation of the situation. She emphasized that all efforts are focused on concluding the voting by the end of today.

While the voting may proceed as planned, Edwald noted that there could be delays in the counting of votes due to transportation issues impacting the delivery of election materials to counting locations. She stated, “As the night progresses, we will have a clearer understanding of how things are shaping up.”

Counting can begin immediately after the polls close at 10 PM, although she refrained from predicting when the first results would become available. Traditionally, some electoral districts have begun sorting votes before the polls close, but sorting cannot commence until it is certain there will be no delays.

Regarding the release of results, Edwald assured that preliminary outcomes could be published from districts once polling has concluded, even if some ballots are still en route to counting centers. This means results may emerge from areas in the West and South while ballots from the North and East are still being processed. Overall, all efforts are underway to ensure polling locations open as scheduled, provided the weather permits.