formvalg

Formvalg is a term that may appear in discussions of how elections are conducted, referring to the form or mode of voting—the electoral system or voting method used to translate ballots into seats. In standard Norwegian political terminology, the more common term is valgform, and in English or other languages this concept is usually described as the electoral system. As such, formvalg is generally understood as encompassing the design features that determine how votes are cast, counted, and converted into representation.

A core aspect of formvalg is the electoral formula, which assigns seats based on vote totals. This includes proportional representation, majoritarian or first-past-the-post systems, and mixed or hybrid approaches. Another key feature is district magnitude, the number of representatives elected in a district, which affects party strategy and representation. Ballot structure also falls under formvalg: whether voters choose parties, vote for individual candidates, or rank options (open lists, closed lists, or ranked-choice voting). Additional considerations include electoral thresholds, districting rules, and the rules governing coalition-building and government formation.

The choice of formvalg has broad political consequences. It influences party systems, the level of representation for minority groups, voter turnout, and strategic voting behavior. Debates about reform often focus on whether the existing system produces fair, effective, and stable governance, and how changes might alter incentives for parties and voters.

Note that formvalg is not always the preferred term in Norwegian discourse; valgform or electoral system is more common. formvalg may appear as a variation or mistaken compound in some texts.