äänestysyksityisyys

äänestysyksityisyys refers to the principle that a voter's choice in an election should remain secret. This means that no one, including election officials, candidates, or other voters, should be able to determine how an individual cast their ballot. The concept is fundamental to democratic elections and is protected by various laws and regulations in most democratic countries.

The primary purpose of äänestysyksityisyys is to prevent coercion and intimidation. When voters know their choice is secret, they are less likely to be pressured or threatened by individuals or groups who might seek to influence their vote. This allows citizens to exercise their right to vote freely and according to their own conscience and beliefs, without fear of reprisal.

Several mechanisms are employed to ensure äänestysyksityisyys. These include the use of private voting booths where voters mark their ballots out of sight of others, the secure handling and counting of ballots to prevent their association with individual voters, and laws that prohibit the disclosure of how specific individuals voted. The secrecy of the ballot is considered a cornerstone of fair and free elections, fostering trust in the electoral process and encouraging broad participation.