Wahlform

Wahlform is a German-language term used in political science and electoral studies to describe the form in which votes are cast and how votes translate into political outcomes. It can refer to the method of voting used in an election as well as to the broader electoral system or procedure by which seats are allocated. In practice, Wahlformen are commonly described as majoritarian, proportional, or mixed, reflecting how vote shares determine representation.

In majoritarian systems, seats are typically allocated in single-member constituencies, often requiring a candidate to win an absolute or relative majority. In proportional representation systems, seats are allocated to parties in proportion to their vote share, usually using nationwide or large multi-member districts, with lists and thresholds shaping outcomes. Mixed systems combine elements of both, for example pairing direct seat gains with a proportionally adjusted party list to balance local representation with overall proportionality.

Other aspects that can fall under Wahlform include how ballots are organized (open versus closed lists, preference votes), district magnitude, ballot structure, and whether voting is direct or indirect. The Wahlform of a country shapes party systems, government formation, and policy stability, as different forms produce varying degrees of proportionality and governance complexity.

In German-speaking contexts, Wahlformen are described in legislation and electoral studies alongside related terms such as Wahlverfahren, Wahlsystem, and Wahlrecht.