A recent study commissioned by the Finnish Ministry of Justice has highlighted that a substantial portion of voters found it challenging to grasp the distinctions between municipal and regional elections. This confusion extended not only to the election themes and campaigns but also to the significance of the regional elections themselves. The study revealed that almost 82,000 votes were invalidated during regional elections, along with just over 39,000 in municipal elections, reflecting a critical issue in voter understanding.

Interviews with election officials indicated that while most voters were aware of both elections, many lacked a clear understanding of whom they could vote for, what ballot to use, and the numbers associated with candidates. This confusion appeared to be most prevalent among older voters and those under the age of 35. The Ministry of Justice's report points to the limited perceived influence of regional councils as a contributing factor to the low significance attributed to these elections.

In response to these findings, the report suggests enhancements to voter registration notifications, recommending the inclusion of informational content in a question-and-answer format to clarify the voting process. The study underscores the importance of improving voter education to enhance participation and the overall effectiveness of the electoral system, particularly in light of the significant number of invalid votes observed.