In August 2026, Democracy Volunteers deployed an international observation mission to assess the conduct of Iceland’s EU Accession Referendum. A team of 16 trained observers independently monitored voting and counting at 51 polling stations across a range of municipalities.
The elections were very well run. Every polling station observed was rated “Very Good” or “Good”, with election staff consistently professional, efficient and welcoming. Voting was smooth and transparent, even during busy periods, and observers were impressed by the high standards of organisation and public trust in the process.
Accessibility, ballot secrecy and ballot box security were clear strengths. Polling stations provided clear access for voters, and the secrecy of the ballot was maintained through the positioning of the polling booths in the polling station, combined with a protective curtain around each booth. Advance voting locations were orderly and secure, and election officials demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency and openness.
Some minor challenges were identified. Not every voter was required to provide identification to receive a ballot paper. Additionally, observers noted that polling station signage was unclear from the pavement on a couple of occasions.
Overall, the mission concluded that Iceland remains an inclusive, developed, secure, and well-functioning democracy. The report recommends clearer signage from the pavement, a renewed emphasis on ensuring that every voter displays photographic identification to receive a ballot paper, and clearer definitions within the electoral legislation regarding who is permitted to assist a voter in the completion of their ballot paper in the polling station.
