Approximately 265,000 citizens from other European Union countries cast their votes.
In the upcoming Vienna district council elections, eligible EU citizens residing in the city are being encouraged to exercise their right to vote. This group, numbering around 264,776 as of 2025, holds significant influence in shaping the future of Vienna, given that nearly one in five voters for the election on April 27 are not Austrian nationals.
To vote in these elections, EU citizens must be registered on the electoral roll and have had their main residence in Vienna since at least January 28, 2025, and must have turned 16 by the election day. Voting takes place at designated polling stations within the district, where eligible voters can choose their preferred candidates or parties standing for the district council. The district councils in Vienna handle local matters and provide representation at the district level, impacting community services and local governance.
The importance of informing EU citizens about voting options has been emphasised by Councilor and City Election Commissioner Jürgen Czernohorszky. To aid this process, the "Small Vienna Voting Assistant" has been developed. This tool provides linguistic support for EU citizens during the elections, revealing where eligible EU citizens can vote and where they cannot. The "Small Vienna Voting Assistant" is available in the languages of the seven largest immigration groups from the EU, including German, Polish, Romanian, Hungarian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Slovakian, and Italian.
Vice Mayor and Integration Councilor Bettina Emmerling also encourages eligible EU citizens to participate in the elections, emphasising the impact their votes can have on the city's future. The "Small Vienna Voting Assistant" aims to increase the voting participation of EU citizens, ensuring their voices are heard in the decisions that affect their daily lives in Vienna, which include green spaces, schools, and infrastructure.
It is crucial for eligible EU citizens to take advantage of their right to vote in the Vienna district council elections, as they play a vital role in shaping the city's future. For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the official Vienna election website or contact their local municipal authorities.
- EU citizens living in Vienna are encouraged to vote in the lifestyle, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, fitness-and-recreation, and cultural events that the district council oversees, as they can significantly influence these aspects.
- When deciding who to vote for, eligible EU citizens can consider fashion-and-beauty, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and shopping policies that candidates or parties have proposed.
- The "Small Vienna Voting Assistant" tool, available in German, Polish, Romanian, Hungarian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Slovakian, and Italian, will help EU citizens understand where they can vote and where they cannot.
- By participating in the elections, EU citizens have the opportunity to ensure their preferences in education, healthcare, and community services are represented in the district council.
- For those unfamiliar with the voting process or who have questions, it's recommended to visit the official Vienna election website or contact local municipal authorities, discuss any concerns, or seek further clarification.
