valgliste

A valgliste (Norwegian/Danish/Swedish: electoral list or candidate list) is a roster of candidates submitted for an election, typically by a political party, electoral alliance, or independent group. The valgliste is used to present voters with the names and order of those seeking office and is a central element in list-based electoral systems.

Valglister are especially important in proportional representation systems, where seats are allocated to lists according to the share of the vote each list receives. Systems vary in how they treat the order of names: closed lists fix the rank set by the party, while open lists allow voters to influence which candidates from a list receive seats. The list order can therefore affect election outcomes and party strategy.

Preparation and submission of a valgliste are governed by electoral law and administrative procedures, including deadlines, signature requirements, and eligibility checks. Parties commonly select lists through internal processes such as primaries, conventions, or committee decisions; independent groups often rely on citizen nominations.

Variations exist between countries and levels of government. Some jurisdictions allow list alliances or joint lists, and rules differ for local, regional, and national elections. Valglister play a practical and symbolic role: they organize candidate choices for voters, shape party representation, and reflect internal party priorities.