Kunnallisäänestyslista

Kunnallisäänestyslista, often translated as municipal election list or candidate list, refers to the roster of individuals nominated by a political party or an independent group to run for office in a municipal election. In Finland, where the term is most commonly used, these lists are crucial for the functioning of local democracy.

Each municipality has its own election, and political parties or voter associations that wish to participate must submit their kunnallisäänestyslista to the municipal election board within a specified deadline. The list contains the names of candidates who are seeking election to the municipal council (kunnanhallitus or kaupunginvaltuusto). The number of candidates on a list can vary depending on the party's strength and strategy.

Voters in a municipal election cast their ballot for a specific candidate on a particular party's list. The total number of votes a party receives determines how many seats its candidates, based on their individual vote count, will win on the municipal council. This system ensures representation for various political viewpoints within the municipality. The kunnallisäänestyslista is therefore a fundamental tool for both political organizations to present their chosen representatives and for citizens to exercise their right to vote in local governance.