Croatians headed to the polls on Sunday to elect local legislative and executive authorities for the next four years, with more than 3.5 million eligible voters choosing from a field of 31,082 candidates.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and will close at 7 p.m., with a two-day campaign silence period in force until voting ends. The State Electoral Commission (DIP) will release turnout data at noon and at 5 p.m., and the first preliminary results are expected at 9 p.m.
A total of 6,600 polling stations opened across the country, with the highest concentration in Zagreb County (642), Split-Dalmatia County (609), and the capital Zagreb (605). The fewest polling stations are in Lika-Senj County (113) and Međimurje County (158).
Voters are choosing members of municipal and city councils, county assemblies, as well as mayors, municipal chiefs, and county prefects. Voting is allowed only in the municipality of permanent residence. Ballots are color-coded: blue for prefects and the mayor of Zagreb, white for mayors and municipal chiefs, light brown for county assemblies, and pink for city and municipal councils.
Minority deputy candidates have ballots in the same base color, with an additional stripe on the back indicating the relevant national minority.
To vote, citizens must present a valid ID or a so-called “blue certificate” issued by the local authorities between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., confirming their eligibility if not listed in the electoral register.
Violations of the election silence – including campaign messages on websites, social media, or unsolicited SMS messages – are subject to fines ranging from 398 euros for individuals to 66,361 euros for legal entities. Penalties are imposed by misdemeanor courts.