Who can vote? 

International students from the member states of the European Union, Iceland, and Norway are eligible to vote if their municipality of residence, as defined by law, is the municipality in question on the 51st day (21 February 2025) before election day. 

International students from other countries are eligible to vote if their municipality of residence, as defined by law, is the municipality in question on the 51st day before election day and if, at that time, they have had a municipality of residence in Finland for an uninterrupted period of two years. 

What do municipalities and counties decide? 

How to find the right candidates? 

Explore election compasses! Fill them out to discover candidates who share your values. Yle’s election compass is available in 8 languages, including English. Finnish National Youth Council and Youth Sector / Nuorisoala ry’s election compass focuses on young people and is also available in English. You can find the links to the compasses at the end of the article. 

The Student Union’s Priorities for the Municipal and County Elections 

The New Wave of Housing! 

The right to affordable and comfortable housing for everyone, including students. 

Let’s ensure the availability of affordable student housing by enabling the construction of new student apartments and regulating short-term rentals. 

Let’s enhance livability with green spaces and outdoor sports facilities. We will develop existing green areas in Rantavitikka and Viirinkangas by building outdoor gyms and various park structures. 

A Community-Oriented City! 

Rovaniemi – a city that builds services together with its residents. 

We will improve public transportation through various route trials and adjustments, such as increasing the number of buses on Friday and Saturday nights. We will introduce a “Discover & Learn” ticket to help new students get familiar with using public transport. 

We will enhance the visibility of Lapland University Consortium students’ art in the city by providing more platforms for showcasing art and enriching urban culture. 

We will expand the network of pedestrian and cycling routes and improve their maintenance, for example, by prioritizing snow removal. 

Recruit the Best! 

The Lapland University Consortium is full of innovative future professionals ready for working life. 

We will create collaborative projects with businesses, offering more students employment opportunities in the region. 

Together with the Lapland University Consortium, the city, and other stakeholders, we will establish a Talent Pool to provide better internships and assignments for students. 

We will create a science and research-based advisory board from the Lapland University Consortium to support the city’s decision-making—giving students a voice in shaping the future. 

Use your voice and vote!