How to eurovision vote

Overview

The Eurovision Song Contest is a unique and exciting event where the public has a direct say in who wins. Understanding the voting process is key to participating in this global spectacle. While the core principles remain consistent, the specific methods and timings can vary slightly year by year and by country.

How to Vote in Eurovision

When Can You Vote?

The voting window is a crucial element of the Eurovision Song Contest. It does not open at the beginning of the show. Instead, voting commences after the last song has been performed during the live broadcast of the Semi-Finals and the Grand Final. A countdown timer will typically be displayed on screen, indicating exactly when you can start casting your votes. The voting lines remain open for a set period, usually between 15 to 35 minutes, so be sure to make your choices within that time frame.

Who Can Vote?

The ability to vote depends on your geographical location:

• Viewers in Participating Countries: If you are in one of the countries competing in Eurovision, you can vote for your favorite songs. However, there's a crucial rule: you cannot vote for the country you are representing. For example, if you are voting from the United Kingdom, you cannot vote for the United Kingdom's entry.
• Viewers in Non-Participating Countries: For those watching from countries not competing in Eurovision, there is a separate voting mechanism. This typically involves an online platform accessible through the official Eurovision Song Contest website. This allows a global audience to participate and have a say in the outcome.

How to Vote

The methods for voting vary depending on the country, but generally include the following:

• Phone Calls: In most participating countries, you can vote by calling a specific phone number provided for each competing country. These numbers are usually displayed on screen during the broadcast.
• SMS (Text Messages): Similar to phone calls, you can often vote by sending an SMS to a designated number, again with specific instructions and codes for each country.
• Official Eurovision App: The Eurovision Song Contest has an official app that facilitates voting. This is often a convenient and streamlined method, allowing you to vote directly from your smartphone or tablet after downloading the app. You will typically need to register an account within the app to vote.
• Online Voting (for non-participating countries): As mentioned, viewers outside the competing nations usually vote through a dedicated section on the official Eurovision website. This requires an internet connection and often involves payment through a credit or debit card.

Voting Limits and Costs

There are usually limits on how many times you can vote. Typically, you can vote up to 20 times using each voting method (phone, SMS, app) available in your country. The cost of voting varies by country and method. Phone and SMS votes are usually charged at a premium rate, while in-app or online votes will have a set price per vote.

The Jury Vote

It's important to note that the public vote is only one part of the overall scoring. National juries, composed of music industry professionals in each participating country, also cast their votes. These jury votes are determined during a dress rehearsal and are announced during the live show. The final result is a combination of the televoting (public vote) and the jury vote, with each contributing 50% to the total score.

Key Takeaways for Voters

• Be aware of the voting window.
• Know the voting methods available in your country.
• Remember you cannot vote for your own country.
• Be mindful of voting limits and costs.
• The public vote is crucial but is combined with jury votes.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively participate in deciding the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest and join millions of fans across Europe and beyond in this beloved annual tradition.