Knivsta municipality ranks among Sweden's top five municipalities for first-time voters ahead of the 2026 elections, according to preliminary statistics from Statistics Sweden (SCB). Eight percent of eligible voters in Knivsta will be casting their ballots for the first time in the upcoming election, placing the municipality behind only Danderyd, Lomma, Salem, and Ekerö in terms of first-time voter percentage.
Maja Wahlberg, a first-time voter from Knivsta, expressed surprise at the statistic, saying, "Are we one of them? That was cool to hear." The proportion of first-time voters has been growing across Sweden since the 2018 election, mirroring an increase in voters over 80 years old, while the 65-79 age group has decreased.
Are we one of them? That was cool to hear.
Local political leaders acknowledge the challenge of reaching young voters in the commuter municipality. Harriet Swanberg (S), opposition group leader in Knivsta, admitted, "We probably haven't been that good at it before, so it's a bit new." Thor Övrelid (M), opposition councilor in the municipality, noted the importance of conducting politics that young people can see themselves in, while highlighting the Moderates' success in the 2022 school elections.
The national average for first-time voters stands at 6.5%, with Knivsta's 8% significantly above this figure. The statistics show a wide variation across Swedish municipalities, with some rural areas having as low as 3.8% first-time voters.
We probably haven't been that good at it before, so it's a bit new.
It's important to conduct politics that young people can see themselves in.