Valgrett

Valgrett is the legal right to participate in elections in a country or jurisdiction. It defines who may vote in parliamentary, local, and referendum elections. The term is used in Norwegian and other Nordic languages; etymology combines val meaning election and rett meaning right.

Scope and eligibility are determined by national law. Valgrett is typically granted to citizens who have reached the voting age and meet residency requirements. Some jurisdictions require voter registration or impose conditions related to legal capacity. Restrictions may apply to non-citizens, residents without citizenship, individuals under guardianship, or people serving certain criminal sentences. Some places also permit voting at younger ages for specific elections or pilot programs.

Types of valgrett vary by system. In many democracies, voting rights are universal for eligible adults, but some systems retain restrictions based on citizenship, criminal status, or mental competency. Voting age commonly ranges from 18 to 21, with some regions experimenting with lower ages for local elections or specific ballots.

History and evolution: Isolated forms of suffrage existed in various societies, but valgrett expanded over time toward greater inclusion. Across many countries, the 19th and 20th centuries saw broadening of suffrage from property or gender-based limits to universal adult suffrage, including the extension of voting rights to women and, in some places, to younger citizens. Nordic countries have been influential in developments toward broader participation in representative government.

Impact: Valgrett underpins the legitimacy and inclusiveness of elections, influencing turnout, representation, and policy outcomes. Debates often focus on eligibility criteria, voter access, and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.