Polling stations open for voting in Reykjavík amid concerns over turnout

Polling stations across the country opened at 9 AM today and will remain open until 10 PM. At the West Urban School, the first voters arrived just minutes after the doors opened. Many voters reported feeling uncertain over the past weeks.

Markús Þór Andrésson was one of the early risers. “Yes, the Advent season is starting, and there’s plenty to do with the family. Let’s start with this,” he said when asked if he had already made a decision about his vote. He remarked that he had been set in his choice for a while, despite staying informed about the campaign. “I’ve followed along out of curiosity, but my mind is made up.”

In contrast, Hildur Björg Eydal shared that she struggled to reach a decision and only finalized her choice yesterday evening. Reflecting on the recent campaign, she described it as quite good and exciting.

Another voter, Þorsteinn Ingi Arnarson, decided to vote early this morning, prompted by his children waking him up. “I’ve never taken this long to think about it and reach a conclusion.” Like Hildur, he made his decision recently and attributed his final opinion to his podcast listening habits.

As for voter turnout in Reykjavík, Eva Helgadóttir, chair of the electoral board, noted that it started slowly compared to the last parliamentary elections, with just over 11% recorded by midday. She stated that since polling opened, everything has proceeded smoothly, prepared well ahead of time. However, she warned that weather conditions could affect final turnout numbers, emphasizing the uncertainty around when the first results might emerge.