äänestyskelpoinen

äänestyskelpoinen is a Finnish term that translates to "eligible to vote" or "qualified to vote." It refers to the legal requirements an individual must meet to be able to participate in elections.

In Finland, the general criteria for being eligible to vote in parliamentary elections include being a Finnish citizen, being at least 18 years old on election day, and having a municipality of residence in Finland. For municipal elections, eligibility is extended to citizens of EU member states, Norway, and Iceland who are at least 18 years old and have a municipality of residence in Finland. For the European Parliament elections, eligibility is for Finnish citizens residing in Finland or other EU member states who are at least 18 years old.

These requirements ensure that only those who meet the specified legal and residency criteria can cast a ballot. The concept of äänestyskelpoinen is fundamental to the democratic process, guaranteeing that voting rights are exercised by individuals with a vested interest and legal standing within the relevant jurisdiction. The specific details of eligibility can vary slightly depending on the type of election.