On this day, all parties who want to run must submit their nominations for all levels by 12 noon at the latest. In addition to the parties VP, SP, FP and Greens, which are already represented in the state parliament, the NEOS are also a firm starter; they have already put together the necessary declarations of support.
At least 400 signatures of those entitled to vote – 80 in each of the five constituencies (or three each by members of the state parliament) – are required for the Upper Austria-wide candidacy for the state parliament. Some parties tried to do this right up to the end: the KP and Christian Party of Austria (CP), which both started in 2015, were still collecting, according to their homepages. New on the list would be – if they bring together the necessary signatures – the “Best Party” and the vaccine-skeptical list “Human Freedom Fundamental Rights”. The “Citizens’ Lists O” (BLO) have already disbanded after an internal dispute, the HC Strache team has also given up on its initial plans.
The state election proposal must also be submitted to the state election authority by 12 noon on Tuesday. However, it is not a prerequisite for inclusion on the voting slip. Any party that has submitted at least one constituency nomination can also submit a state list. If it does, it takes part in the distribution of the remaining mandates – of course only on condition that it creates at least four percent or a basic mandate in an electoral district throughout Upper Austria.
The 56 seats in the state parliament are distributed among the parties on two levels: In the five constituencies there are basic mandates to be obtained – depending on their size. The mandates that remain after they are distributed are then divided up at the state level in the course of a new calculation using a different model (d’Hondt).
Who will be the people with whom the parties will occupy the seats won will be determined in advance with the candidate lists to be submitted on Tuesday. However, the voters can also have a say in the matter: They are allowed to give one preferential vote in the constituency and one at the state level in the state elections. Candidates who get enough of it can “overtake” the applicants in front of them – that is, move into the state parliament in their place.
In Upper Austria, not only the state parliament, but also those of the 438 municipalities and the mayors will be elected at the end of September. Parties who want to take part must also have election proposals ready by Tuesday – and present them to the community or city returning officer by 12 noon at the latest. This also requires a declaration of support, depending on the size of the community of between five and 50 eligible voters.
