The polling stations are open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day. Post offices accept voting slips for the last 18 days up to and including Election Day. At election time the Swedish Post Office opens a vast number of temporary offices at hospitals, old people s homes, prisons and other institutions, for the benefit of those who are unable to get to their polling stations on Election Day. The main rule is for each individual to cast his vote personally, but voting by proxy is allowed in certain cases. Sick or disabled persons may vote through the agency of a relative or carer.
Married voters can vote through the agency of husband or wife.
Counting the votes When the polling station closes on Election Day, the election workers carry out a first, preliminary count of the votes cast. This is the count which is broadcast on television and radio election vigils. The definitive count is made the following week by the County Administrative Boards. All counts are open to the general public. The electoral system is intended to distribute seats in the Riksdag between the parties as fairly as possible in proportion to the number of votes cast.