Kvotesystemet

Kvotesystemet is the term used in Norwegian and some other Scandinavian languages for the set of rules that govern how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in elections. It covers the electoral method, ballot design, districting, and the method used to allocate seats to parties or candidates. The system determines how votes in a country translate into political representation and, by extension, how governments are formed.

Most kvotesystemet fall into three broad categories: majoritarian systems, proportional representation, and mixed or hybrid systems. Majoritarian methods award seats to the candidate who wins in a district or require a majority in a second round. Proportional representation seeks to reflect vote shares in the overall seat allocation across parties or lists. Mixed systems combine elements of both, often using proportional allocation at the national or regional level with some district-based representation.

In proportional and quota-based systems, a quota is used to determine when a party or candidate earns a seat. Common quotas include the Droop and Hare quotas; after initial seat allocation, remaining votes may be redistributed from elected lists to others until all seats are filled. Ballot design and voter choice vary: some systems allow voting for parties only, others for individual candidates, and some use open lists while others use closed lists. Preferential ballots and single transferable vote are used in some multi-member districts to transfer votes according to voter preferences.

District magnitude and thresholds also shape outcomes. Larger districts and lower thresholds generally yield more proportional results and higher party fragmentation, whereas small districts and higher thresholds tend to favor larger parties. Overall, kvotesystemet influences representation, governance, and the diversity of voices in parliament.