valgalternativ

Valgalternativ is a term used in electoral contexts to denote the options presented to voters on a ballot. It encompasses the choices a voter can select during an election or referendum, including political parties, individual candidates, or policy issues. In some electoral systems, valgalternativ also includes ranked or preferential options, where voters order preferences rather than casting a single vote.

The specific form and scope of valgalternativ depend on the jurisdiction and the electoral system. In party-list proportional representation, the valgalternativ are the party lists; in first-past-the-post, the candidates themselves are valgalternativ; in referendums, options may be Yes/No or multiple alternatives. Ballots may also include instructions for abstention or spoiled ballots.

Ballot design and administration aim to present valgalternativ clearly and neutrally, minimizing confusion and bias. This includes the layout, typography, the order of options, and whether the options are randomized or rotated. Electoral authorities may establish rules about how candidates and parties are displayed, how votes are counted for each option, and how to handle invalid ballots.

In practice, the term valgalternativ is commonly used in Swedish-language electoral material, though the more common form is valalternativ. The concept is universal across democracies: the set of choices a voter can select, as defined by law and electoral rules.