båndvalg

Båndvalg, also known as "band selection" or "ribbon voting," is a voting method used primarily in Denmark and some other Nordic countries, particularly in local and regional elections. The system allows voters to express a preference for individual candidates within a party list rather than simply voting for the entire party block.

In a båndvalg system, voters receive a ballot paper with the names of all candidates from each party listed in columns. Each column corresponds to a political party, and voters can mark their preferences by placing a cross next to the name of the candidate they support. Unlike traditional party-list voting, where votes are allocated to the entire party, båndvalg enables voters to influence the order in which candidates are elected by indicating their preferred choices.

The system operates on a proportional representation basis, ensuring that seats in the elected body (such as a municipal council or regional assembly) are distributed according to the overall share of votes each party receives. However, within each party’s list, the ranking of candidates is determined by the number of individual votes they receive. Candidates with the most votes are elected first, followed by those with fewer votes, until all seats allocated to the party are filled.

Båndvalg is designed to balance collective party representation with individual voter choice, allowing for greater transparency and accountability in the election process. It encourages political parties to nominate diverse and well-known candidates, as voters can directly influence who is elected. The method is particularly valued for its ability to reflect local preferences and foster a more personalized connection between voters and their representatives.