Abstandsabstimmung

Abstandsabstimmung, a German term, translates to "distance voting" or "spacing vote." It is a voting mechanism used in certain contexts, particularly within parliamentary bodies, to determine the level of support for a proposal without necessarily requiring a precise numerical tally of all votes. Instead of individuals explicitly voting yes or no, participants indicate their agreement or disagreement by the distance they place themselves from a designated point or line.

Typically, an Abstandsabstimmung involves a physical space where participants move. A central point or line represents neutrality or the status quo. Those who support the proposal move away from this central point in one direction, while those who oppose it move away in the opposite direction. The greater the distance from the center, the stronger the expressed support or opposition.

This method is often employed to visually represent the degree of consensus or division within a group. It can foster a more dynamic and sometimes less confrontational atmosphere than traditional roll-call or show-of-hands votes, as it emphasizes a spectrum of opinion rather than binary choices. The interpretation of the results can vary; sometimes the focus is on the relative number of people on each side, while other times the collective distance moved can be considered indicative of the strength of conviction. The specific rules and interpretation of an Abstandsabstimmung are usually defined by the body employing it.