Rösträttens

Rösträttens, commonly rendered as the suffrage, is the right to vote in political elections and to participate in choosing government representatives. It defines who may cast ballots, along with conditions such as citizenship, age, and residency, and may include restrictions or allowances for certain groups. Throughout modern history, rösträtt has been expanded through reforms, reflecting changes in ideas about citizenship and political equality.

Scope and evolution: Suffrage can be universal or restricted. Many countries began with limited franchises based on property, gender, or status, and gradually extended voting rights to a broader population. The struggle for rösträtt has often centered on gender equality and the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women and younger citizens.

Sweden's rösträtt: The modern Swedish constitution of 1809 established limited electoral rights. The 1866 reform replaced the old Estates-based system with a bicameral Riksdag and broadened eligibility but maintained property qualifications. In 1909, male suffrage was extended, and in 1921 women gained the right to vote in national elections, creating universal suffrage. Subsequent decades broadened participation further, and today rösträtt is part of a system of universal adult suffrage for national, municipal, and regional elections, subject to standard legal qualifications and non-discrimination.

Significance: Rösträttens is central to democratic legitimacy, enabling citizen influence over government and policy. The history of suffrage reflects broader social and political changes, including gender equality, civil rights, and the expansion of political participation worldwide.