Turnout trends slow in Icelandic parliamentary elections as voters opt for early ballots

The voting turnout for the Icelandic parliamentary elections has started slowly, showing a trend in contrast to previous election years. Many voters have opted to cast their ballots ahead of the official polling day. Current weather conditions are uncertain, and election authorities nationwide may need to adapt their counting and polling plans last minute. Weather warnings are active in several regions, with forecasts indicating potential snow and strong winds throughout the day.

Polling stations began opening at 9 AM, but their hours vary depending on the local municipality, so voters are advised to check their local websites for specific details. By 1 PM, turnout in the Southwest region was reported at 17.5%. In comparison, turnout stood at 16.9% in the same area during the last parliamentary elections. As the day progresses, further turnout figures will be released.

Several party leaders have already voted, with notable figures like Jóhannes Loftsson, chairman of Responsible Future, sharing his voting experience. He revealed the secretive nature of his vote, hinting at its significance in potential post-election coalition talks.

In the capital, early turnout rates are appearing lower than expected. Meanwhile, some voters have encountered problems at polling locations, including long waits in queues, prompting authorities to address these issues rapidly.

Across the East and South, conditions have been better than anticipated, encouraging voter participation despite earlier concerns. Local election officials report a calm atmosphere compared to previous elections, hinting at a potentially smooth voting process today.