The Tallinn City Government has approved the locations of polling stations for the 2025 local elections. The updated list reflects voters’ preferences for casting their ballots in shopping centres, improved accessibility, and participation rates in previous elections. Polling stations with fewer than 600 voters will be merged with others. In total, 43 physical polling stations will be open across Tallinn, with one additional station designated for organising voting at the voter’s location.
City Secretary and Chairman of the Electoral Committee Priit Lello explained that the number and placement of polling stations were decided based on thorough analysis. “We reviewed turnout statistics from the 2021, 2023, and 2024 elections and adjusted the number of stations accordingly. We decided to merge stations where the voter count had remained below 600 in at least two elections, or where two stations were located within one kilometre of each other,” said Lello. “We prioritised stations with better accessibility—those suitable for wheelchair users, people with strollers, and easily reachable by car or public transport. In 2021, the number of stations was increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but this is no longer necessary for the 2025 elections.”
In total, 44 polling stations will be established in Tallinn. Compared to 2024, this represents a reduction of 33 stations. The closures by district are as follows: Haabersti (-3), Kesklinn (-5), Kristiine (-2), Lasnamäe (-8), Mustamäe (-3), Nõmme (-4), Pirita (-3), and Põhja-Tallinn (-5). Several stations will also be relocated to new, more accessible addresses or moved back to previously used locations.
Electronic voting has been consistently popular in all elections, and the option to vote using Mobile-ID and Smart-ID, introduced for the 2025 elections, is expected to further increase the number of electronic voters.
Following a constitutional amendment, as of 27 March, more than 324,000 people are eligible to vote in the 2025 Tallinn City Council elections. From 13 to 16 October, 16 polling stations will be open to all eligible voters regardless of residence. From 17 to 19 October, 43 voting locations will be open, serving only residents of their respective electoral districts. Voting at the voter’s place of residence, places of detention, hospitals, and 24-hour care institutions will also be available during the early voting period from 13 to 16 October.
Source: tallinn.ee