Voting counts in Iceland may face delays due to adverse weather conditions

There are significant chances that voting counts will be delayed for the upcoming elections in Iceland, particularly in Eastern regions. Due to adverse weather forecasts, it is possible that ballots will not arrive on time at counting locations, which may lead to a postponement of the vote counting process until Sunday.

Kristín Edwald, the chair of the national election committee, indicated that preparations are in place to address any complications that might arise on election day. She noted, “Given the current weather forecast for Eastern Iceland, we are realistically looking at the possibility that we might need to delay voting in certain areas.”

Votes can only be counted once elections have concluded everywhere, meaning no counting can commence until polling has universally finished. There are instances where counting staff become barricaded before the polls close as they begin to sort the ballots. If a vote counting is postponed, this sorting cannot proceed.

Kristín expressed concern that ballots may not reach counting stations as scheduled, particularly affecting Eastern Iceland, and potentially South and Northwestern regions as well. Consequently, it’s possible that there could be no counting at all until Sunday.

Decisions regarding possible delays in voting are made by the electoral boards in each constituency and cannot be determined until it’s clear that unmanageable circumstances are hindering voting from proceeding. Therefore, any decisions about delaying polling will only be made tomorrow if necessary.