Stemmerett

Stemmerett, or suffrage, is the right to participate in elections by casting a ballot. It is a fundamental civil right and a cornerstone of representative democracy. In most systems, voting rights are governed by the constitution and electoral laws, and they may distinguish between active suffrage—the right to vote—and passive suffrage—the right to stand as a candidate.

Eligibility generally requires citizenship, residence, and attainment of a minimum age, commonly 18. Some jurisdictions restrict suffrage for non-citizens, recent residents, or individuals serving certain prison sentences or with certain mental incapacity; others provide universal suffrage without such restrictions, including women and minorities. Regulations on registration, voter ID, and residency periods shape access to the polls.

Historically, suffrage expanded through movements advocating for disenfranchised groups. Property-based or limited suffrage gave way to universal adult suffrage in many nations during the 19th and 20th centuries, with gender equality milestones such as women's suffrage state-by-state or country-wide. Today, universal suffrage is widely regarded as the standard in modern democracies, though debates continue about disenfranchisement, refugee and non-citizen voting, and electoral integrity.

Stemmerett is protected and upheld by constitutions and election laws, and its practical realization depends on institutions, electoral administration, and political culture. The concept underpins political participation, accountability, and equality before the law. See also franchise, voting rights, electoral systems.