Stemmeberettigede

Stemmeberettigede is a Norwegian term that refers to people who have the legal right to vote in a given election. The phrase is used in official electoral language to identify those who may participate in casting ballots, as opposed to non-voters who do not meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility to be stemmeberettigede is defined by electoral law and can vary by the type of election. In general, factors that determine eligibility include age, citizenship or long-term residency, and compliance with any disqualifications established by law. The exact thresholds and conditions are laid out in the relevant statutes and can differ between national, regional, and local elections. For example, certain elections may restrict voting to citizens of a particular country, while others may allow residents with specific rights to vote in local matters. Additionally, some individuals may be restricted from voting due to legal incapacities or other formal disqualifications defined by law.

In practice, electoral authorities compile lists of stemmeberettigede to establish who may vote and where they should cast their ballot. These lists are used to organize polling stations, verify eligibility at the polls, and ensure that only eligible individuals participate in an election. The concept of stemmeberettigede thus underpins the legitimacy of the electoral process by delineating who is permitted to vote according to current law.

Etymologically, stemmeberettigede combines stemme (vote) with berettiget (eligible), forming the plural adjective that describes eligible voters. The term underscores the legal nature of voting rights within the Norwegian democratic framework.