Röstlängden

Röstlängden, or the electoral roll, is the official list of persons who have the right to vote in a given election in Sweden. It is prepared for each election by the Swedish Election Authority (Valmyndigheten) in cooperation with the county administrative boards (länsstyrelserna) and municipalities, using the population register maintained by the Tax Agency (Skatteverket). The röstlängd covers eligible voters within a municipality or a defined polling district and helps determine where voters can cast their ballot.

Contents and purpose: A röstlängd typically includes each voter's full name, date of birth, and the address or polling district. It may indicate voting status and whether the person is registered for ordinary voting, absentee voting, or other special arrangements. Data protection rules limit disclosure; access is restricted to authorized election officials, and parties or representatives may obtain copies only under legal provisions.

Preparation and use: Before an election a new röstlängd is produced and updated as needed, then distributed to polling stations to guide voter verification and ensure voters cast their ballot at the correct location. The list helps prevent duplicate voting and supports accurate turnout tracking. If a person is not on the list or is listed incorrectly, they can request corrections within specified deadlines prior to the election.

Legal and practical context: The röstlängden is a foundational element of Sweden’s electoral process, balancing accuracy and transparency with privacy protections. It is distinct from the published election results, which summarize votes cast and seat allocation rather than individual eligibility.