hääleõigust

Hääleõigust refers to the right to vote. In Estonia, this right is a fundamental aspect of democracy, allowing citizens to participate in electing their representatives and influencing political decisions. Eligibility for hääleõigust is primarily determined by citizenship and age. Estonian citizens who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote in national and local elections.

The scope of hääleõigust extends to various levels of governance. Citizens can vote in parliamentary elections (Riigikogu), local government elections (omavalitsused), and European Parliament elections. The principle of universal suffrage ensures that all eligible citizens have an equal opportunity to exercise their right to vote. This includes provisions for absentee voting and electronic voting to enhance accessibility.

There are certain conditions that can affect hääleõigust. For instance, individuals declared legally incompetent may lose their voting rights. Furthermore, while Estonian citizens abroad generally retain their hääleõigust, specific regulations may apply to their participation in certain elections. The right to vote is seen as a cornerstone of civic responsibility and a key mechanism for holding elected officials accountable. The legal framework governing hääleõigust is established in the Constitution of Estonia and related electoral laws.