The elections in Vienna were brought forward at short notice. But while the town hall parties have been in election campaign mode for some time, the vote on April 27 will once again be a logistical challenge for the city – preparations are already in full swing.
Vienna votes five months earlier than expected. A quick shot that not only puts pressure on the parties, but also turns the organization upside down. From the polling stations to the polling stations and votes by post: everything must be ready on time. But is that even possible in just 98 days?
“The city is always prepared for elections”
The office of responsible city councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky (SPÖ) says: “The city of Vienna is ready to hold elections at any time.” Still, the surprise after city boss Ludwig’s announcement was great. In just 14 weeks the time has come: the deadline has already started. This time the deadline is expected to be January 28. The voters’ list must be published and available for inspection from the 21st to the 30th day after the deadline. Nominations must be submitted no later than two months before election day.
Exactly 1,127,929 Viennese were eligible to vote in the National Council elections in September 2024. But this time there will be more in the elections on April 27 – that much is certain. Because: Non-Austrian EU citizens with their main residence in Vienna also have the opportunity to vote and stand as candidates in the district council elections in the 23 districts. A prerequisite for this is registration in the electoral register, which is done ex officio in Vienna. The requested voting cards will then be issued at the end of March. The city currently expects a similarly high number of voting cards as in the last National Council elections.
At the last vote four months ago, a total of 1,499 polling stations were available. All voting locations are barrier-free again. However, some polling stations also had to be moved. The staff again consists mainly of employees of the city of Vienna. In addition, evaluators appointed by the political parties will also be deployed to the district election authorities. Including election Sunday and the following days, approximately 13,000 people (employees of the City of Vienna, evaluators, confidants, etc.) are on duty.
About 2,400 voting booths, 1,100 ballot boxes, 3,200 tables, 5,800 chairs, 170 partitions and 20 ramps are required. The new election proposal will be presented to the municipal council next Tuesday. At the same time, the final points of the coalition agreement must be finalized during special meetings of the municipal council or the state parliament. Those eligible to vote will receive official election information with the polling station address and other important information approximately two weeks before Election Day.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
