Czech Republic Prepares for the 2026 Municipal and Senate Elections

The Czech Republic will elect new municipal councils and one-third of the Senate in early October. Several changes will apply at polling stations. Citizens of other EU member states may participate in the municipal elections, including elections to the Prague City Assembly and district councils.

Municipal elections and elections to one-third of the Senate will take place in the Czech Republic on 9 and 10 October 2026. The Ministry of the Interior is providing information about the voting process and important changes through a new campaign.

Under the slogan “Your Vote, Your Choice” (Váš hlas, Vaše volba), the Czech Ministry of the Interior has launched an information campaign for the upcoming elections. At its centre are seven short videos designed to explain the key steps of the voting process to citizens.

Among other things, the videos cover the importance of voting, the procedure at polling stations and how to complete ballot papers correctly in the municipal elections. The videos are supplemented by simplified infographics and answers to frequently asked questions. The content will be published daily on the ministry’s social media channels until the elections.

Photo: Volby pro vsechny

2026 Municipal Elections: EU Citizens Residing in the Czech Republic Are Also Entitled to Vote

EU citizens living in the Czech Republic are entitled to vote not only in European elections. Citizens of other EU member states may also participate in the municipal elections, including elections to the Prague City Assembly and district councils. Further information can be found here.

Changes at Polling Stations

There will be several changes at this year’s elections. For the first time, blind and visually impaired people will be able to use QR codes placed directly on the ballot papers of individual candidates in the Senate elections.

Voters who are unable to complete their ballot paper or place it in the ballot box themselves may now also receive assistance from a member of the electoral commission.

Anyone who discovers shortly before the election that their identity document is no longer valid may apply for a temporary identity card. This is intended specifically for exercising the right to vote.

Applications may be submitted no earlier than five days before the election and no later than the first day of voting. Applications can be made at any municipal authority with extended powers or, in Prague, at the relevant district authority.

Proof of Identity via Smartphone

This year, voters may once again use the eDoklady app to prove their identity at polling stations. The Digital and Information Agency (Digitální a informační agentura) recommends updating the application to the latest version before going to vote. Users should also open the app at home while connected to the internet and check that their digital identity card is up to date and valid. An updated document remains valid in the application for 48 hours. In case of unexpected technical problems, voters are nevertheless advised to bring a physical identity card or passport as well.