Vælgerhemmeligheden

Vælgerhemmeligheden, or the secrecy of the ballot, is a fundamental principle in democratic elections, ensuring that voters can cast their votes without fear of reprisal or coercion. This principle guarantees that no one can determine how another person voted. The secrecy is typically maintained through various mechanisms implemented during the voting process, such as the use of private voting booths and the prohibition of any form of voter identification that links a specific ballot to an individual.

The historical roots of vælgerhemmeligheden can be traced back to efforts to combat electoral fraud and undue influence in the 19th century. Before its widespread adoption, elections were often conducted in public, allowing landlords, employers, or political factions to pressure voters or reward those who voted as instructed. The introduction of secret ballots aimed to empower individuals and ensure that election results reflected the genuine will of the people, free from external manipulation.

In practice, vælgerhemmeligheden is often protected by laws that criminalize any attempt to discover or disclose how an individual voted. This includes regulations on how ballots are handled, stored, and counted, ensuring that the link between the voter and their ballot is broken once the vote is cast. The principle is considered essential for a healthy democracy, as it fosters political freedom and encourages participation by all citizens, regardless of their social standing or political beliefs.