Low Voter Turnout Marks Sweden's 2025 Church Elections

In the recently closed 2025 church elections in Sweden, approximately 17% of over 4.5 million eligible voters participated, according to preliminary data. Polling stations shut down at 8 PM, with votes now being counted. While the Svenska kyrkan aimed to boost engagement among younger voters utilizing social media platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat, the turnout remains significantly low compared to national elections, which had a participation rate of 84.2%. Historically, previous church elections experienced slightly higher engagement at 18.4%, but this year's figures indicate a continued trend of declining voter interest.

Notable candidates include Carl Bildt, former Moderate Minister for Foreign Affairs, running for the Borgerlig kristen samverkan (BKS) party, and Gustaf Norén, the former lead singer of Mando Diaos, representing the Social Democrats in Dalarna. Bildt has expressed satisfaction with his position at the bottom of the candidate list, emphasizing his support for the party, while Norén's candidacy marks a significant turn into political representation for former artists.

Results related to voter turnout and initial election outcomes are expected to be released shortly, with final results anticipated in a few weeks. To secure a place in the church assembly, candidates require a minimum of 2% of the votes cast.