Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: The multi-member constituencies correspond exactly to the administrative counties, except in the metropolitan area where 4 artificial multi-member constituencies have been constructed, district delimitation issues are virtually absent from the Danish political debate.
Parliamentary Elections Act:
8. (1) Denmark falls into three provinces: Metropolitan Copenhagen, Sealand-Southern Denmark
and Northern and Central Jutland, cf the Schedule to the Act (List of Electoral Districts).
(2) The regions are subdivided into multimember constituencies, cf the List of Electoral
Districts. Metropolitan Copenhagen encompasses four multimember constituencies.
Sealand-Southern Denmark and Northern and Central Jutland are each made up of three
multimember constituencies.
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Act, P2, Art. 8 (1-2)
The Parliamentary Electoral System
in Denmark, p. 4
https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/~/media/pdf/publikationer/english/the-parliamentary-system-of-denmark_2011.ashx
Parliamentary Elections and Election Administration in Denmark (Dr Jorgen Elklit and Anne Birte Pade, Election consultant Ministry of Interior)
Verified: 2019/05/22
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries g . Other
Comments: 8. (1) Denmark falls into three provinces: Metropolitan Copenhagen, Sealand-Southern Denmark
and Northern and Central Jutland, cf the Schedule to the Act (List of Electoral Districts).
general elections and referendums
(2) The regions are subdivided into multimember constituencies, cf the List of Electoral
Districts. Metropolitan Copenhagen encompasses four multimember constituencies.
Sealand-Southern Denmark and Northern and Central Jutland are each made up of three
multimember constituencies.
(3) The multimember constituencies are split into nomination districts, cf the List of
Electoral Districts.
(4) A nomination district consists of one or more municipalities or a part of a municipality.
For nomination districts consisting of more than one municipality or a part of a municipality, the common functions are carried out by the municipality identified as a constituency
municipality in the List of Electoral Districts
Source: Folketing (Parliamentary) Elections act, Pt.2 art.8(1-4).
Verified: 2019/05/22
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: No, constituencies are delimited for election purposes.
Source:
Verified: 2015/06/08
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: Head of State is the King or Queen - Royal power is inherited by men and women in accordance with the provisions of the Succession to the Throne Act, 27th March, 1953.
Source: Constitution, Sec. 2
Verified: 2019/05/22
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The King shall appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister and the other Ministers.
Source: Constitution, Sec.14
Verified: 2019/05/22
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Pt. 3 Sec. 14
Verified: 2019/05/22
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Folketing shall consist of one assembly of not more than one hundred and seventy-nine Members, of whom two Members shall be elected in the Faroe Islands and two Members in Greenland.
Source: Constitution, Sec. 28
Verified: 2019/05/22
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments:
Article 76:
The votes cast for each party in all nomination districts in a multimember constituency shall be summed up. The votes cast for each individual candidate shall equally be summed up. Each number of votes appearing as a result of the summation, cf. subsection (1), shall be divided by 1 – 2 – 3 and so on until such number of divisions equivalent to the maximum number of seats expected to be allocated to the party or to the independent candidate has been performed. The party or the independent candidate having the highest resulting quotients shall be given the first seat in the multimember constituency. The second highest quotient entails the second seat and so on and so forth, until all constituency seats in the multimember constituency have been distributed among the parties and the independent candidates. If two or more quotients are of equal size, lots shall be drawn.
Source: Electoral Law, Art. 76.
Verified: 2019/05/23
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: The law governing elections is comprised of the Constitution and the Parliamentary Elections Act.
Source: Constitution of Denmark
Parliamentary Elections Act of Denmark
Verified: 2019/05/23
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: Parliamentary Elections Act, chapter 1:
General elections and referendums
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act
Verified: 2019/05/23
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Any Danish subject who is permanently domiciled in the Realm, and who has the age qualification for suffrage as provided for in Sub-section (2) of this section shall have the right to
vote at Folketing elections, provided that he has not been declared incapable of conducting his own affairs. It shall be laid down by statute to what extent conviction and public assistance amounting to poor relief within the meaning of the law shall entail disenfranchisement.
Source: Constitution Sec 29(1)
Parliamentary Elections Act Ch.1, P.1, Art.1(1)
Verified: 2019/05/23
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: Parliamentary Election Act, article 88 (1):
Any voter may complain of general elections. Complaints are to be addressed to the Folketing and submitted to the Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior. Complaints must Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Interior have been received by the Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior by the weekday after election day at the latest.
Source: Election Act, Ch. 1, P.11, Art. 88(1)
Verified: 2019/05/23
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: The Election Act assigns a number of specific tasks to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Interior. In practice these tasks are dealt with in a separate election unit in the Ministry, headed by the Election Consultant.
Administration of referenda is also the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Welfare.
"The Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Interior is responsible for performing tasks in connection with general elections, referenda, elections to local and regional councils as well as elections of Danish members to the European Parliament" (Official website, Ministry for economic affairs and the interior)
Source: Parliamentary Elections and Election Administration in Denmark (Dr Jorgen Elklit and Anne Birte Pade, Election consultant Ministry of Interior),
Parliamentary Elections Act, P1.
Ministry for economic affairs and the interior, official website:
https://english.oim.dk/responsibilities-of-the-ministry/elections-and-referenda/
Verified: 2019/05/23
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2019, Denmark - Law making, oversight, budget
https://data.ipu.org/node/48/law-making-oversight-budget/budget?chamber_id=13376
Anne Birte Pade, Head of Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
[email protected]
Klaus Josefsen, Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
[email protected]
Verified: 2019/05/27
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: The expenses connected with elections are covered mainly by the municipalities. The total expenses connected to a general election for municipalities have been estimated to be around DKr. 50-60 million (approximately US $10 million). For the Ministry of the Interior and Health, direct expenses are only DKr. 800,000 (approximately US $145,000).
"Budgets for EMBs under the Governmental Model are usually part of the budget of the government ministry responsible for implementing electoral processes, as in [...] Denmark."
Source: The Parliamentary Electoral System in Denmark: Guide to the Danish Electoral System by the Ministry of the Interior and Health/ Aarhus University, Jan. 2011. Ch. 5 sec. 5.
Electoral Management Design, Revised edition. Chapter 7: The Financing of EMBs. Pg. 210.
http://www.eods.eu/library/IDEA.Electoral-Management-Design.pdf
Verified: 2019/05/27
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: The Election Act assigns a number of specific tasks to the Minister for the Interior and Health. In practice, these tasks are dealt with in a separate election unit in the Ministry, headed by the Chief Election Officer. The number of staff assigned to handle electoral matters between elections is small (5). When an election is called, however, additional staff is temporarily assigned to assist the election unit in carrying out its tasks at the national level, directly connected with the conduct of the election.
Source: The Parliamentary Electoral System in Denmark: Guide to the Danish Electoral System by the Ministry of the Interior and Health/ Aarhus University, Jan. 2011. Ch. 2 sec. 1.
Verified: 2019/05/27
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design, Revised edition. P. 378
http://www.eods.eu/library/IDEA.Electoral-Management-Design.pdf
Verified: 2019/05/27
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 4.-(2) The Election Board consists of a chairman and two other members, however, in cases specified in subsection (1)(ii) and (iii) three other members.
Source: Folketing (Parliamentary) Elections Act, Consolidated Act No. 369 of 10 April 2014. Part 4 Electoral Registers and Poll Cards. Election Board, pg. 5. https://valg.oim.dk/media/16286/consolidated-act-parliament-elections-incl-chapt2-2014.pdf
Verified: 2019/05/27
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: 4.-(2)The chairman must be a High Court or Supreme Court judge, and either of the other members must be an expert on constitutional law. The extra member of the Board in cases specified in subsection (1)(ii) and (iii) must be an expert on name and trade mark rights. A deputy chairman and a substitute for both of the two other members must be appointed by the same rules.
Source: Folketing (Parliamentary) Elections Act, Consolidated Act No. 369 of 10 April 2014. Part 4 Electoral Registers and Poll Cards. Election Board, pg. 5-6. https://valg.oim.dk/media/16286/consolidated-act-parliament-elections-incl-chapt2-2014.pdf
Verified: 2019/05/27
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive
Comments: 17.-(1) The Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior shall set up an Election Board to decide on-
(i) inclusion in the electoral register according to section 16(2);
(ii) approval of forms for voters’ declarations for new parties requesting to participate in general elections, cf. section 12(2) and (3), and section 13(3), or European parliamentary elections, cf. section 11(2) and (3), and section 12 of the Members of the European Parliament Election Act; and
(iii) inclusion in the List of Party Names, cf. section 13(4).
Source: Folketing (Parliamentary) Elections Act, Consolidated Act No. 369 of 10 April 2014. Part 4 Electoral Registers and Poll Cards. Election Board, pg. 5. https://valg.oim.dk/media/16286/consolidated-act-parliament-elections-incl-chapt2-2014.pdf
Verified: 2019/05/27
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
d . National Government h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media
Comments: Information on elections is available from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Interior and the Danish Parliament (the Folketinget), however voter education campaigns are not conducted unless an election has been called or is in progress.
Each party conducts separate information campaigns during the elections process which inform voters of the elections within the constraints of the law.
Source: Official website for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Interior:
https://elections.oim.dk/
Official Website for the Danish Parliament (news page - announcements of upcoming elections):
https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/en/news
Anne Birte Pade, Head of Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
adp(a)im.dk
Klaus Josefsen, Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
kjo(a)im.dk
http://english.sm.dk/Sider/Velkommen.aspx
Verified: 2019/05/23
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments: Voter education occurs at the national level when the announcement of a new election takes place. This is when the date of the election is provided and often when political parties begin campaigning.
However, "election law does not stipulate rules for the conduct of election campaigns, either as regards the maximum amount of money to be spent or the time periods where campaigning may – or may not – take place." But it is important to note that advertisements by politicians and political parties is not permitted on "national Danish television and radio and local Danish television channels [...] but are allowed on commercial radio broadcasting channels."
Finally, the "conduct and publication of opinion polls are not regulated by law. Consequently, such polls can be carried out and published right up to (or even on) election day."
Source: The Parliamentary Electoral System in Denmark
Pg. 21, section 3.5
https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/~/media/pdf/publikationer/english/the-parliamentary-system-of-denmark_2011.ashx
Verified: 2019/05/23
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/05/23
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Election Act, Ch.1, P.1, Art. 1(1)
Verified: 2019/05/27
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: Section 29, Constitution:
Subsection 1. Any Danish subject who is permanently domiciled in the Realm, and who has the age qualification for suffrage as provided for in Sub-section (2) of this section shall have the right to vote at Folketing elections, provided that he has not been declared incapable of conducting his own affairs. It shall be laid down by statute to what extent conviction and public assistance amounting to poor relief within the meaning of the law shall entail disenfranchisement.
Section 29, Subsection 1 explained:
It is necessary to be a Danish citizen to be eligible to vote in a general election. Permanent residence in Denmark is also a requirement. This makes it necessary to be registered with the national register in Denmark. However, there are exceptions for some Danes residing abroad. For example, people who work for the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or have been posted abroad by a Danish authority, company or society are entitled to vote. This also applies to people who are living abroad for educational or health-related reasons. Furthermore, it is possible to retain the right to vote by signing a document stating an intention to return to Denmark within two years of leaving the country. The rules are laid down in Section 2 of the Danish Election Act.
Source: Constitution, Sec 29, Subsection 1. https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/~/media/pdf/publikationer/english/my_constitutional_act_with_explanations.ashx
Elections Act, Ch.1, P.1, Art 2(2)
Parliamentary Elections and Election Administration in Denmark (Dr Jorgen Elklit and Anne Birte Pade, Election consultant Ministry of Interior)
Verified: 2019/05/27
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
c . Local Government Authority
Comments: When an election is called, the local council shall prepare an electoral register of the voters of the municipality. The electoral register shall be prepared for each local polling district.
Source: Election Act, Ch.1, P.4, Art.18(1)
Verified: 2019/05/27
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Done automatically through a citizens register.
Source: Anne Birte Pade, Head of Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
adp(a)im.dk
Klaus Josefsen, Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
kjo(a)im.dk
Folketing (Parliamentary) Elections Act, Part 4 art.16(1).
Verified: 2019/05/27
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) f . Other
Comments: Parties Entitled to Participate in General Elections
11. (1) The parties which gained representation in the Folketing in the last general election and which continue to be represented therein, shall be entitled to participate in general elections.
(2) The right of participation in a general election furthermore extends to new parties which have been registered with the Minister for Social Welfare according to the rules of section 12.
(3) Parties which are entitled to participate in general elections shall hereinafter be referred to as parties entitled to nomination.
12. (1) New parties wishing to participate in a general election must apply for registration with the Minister for Social Welfare not later than noon 15 days prior to election day. This application must be accompanied by declarations from voters whose number corresponds to 1/175 of all valid votes cast in the last general election as a minimum. No voters’ declarations are required in the case of the party of the German minority.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act of Denmark, Ch.1, P.3, Art. 11-12.
Verified: 2019/05/27
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence j . Other
Comments: 18 years; no conviction of an act which in the eyes of the public makes him or her unworthy of being a Member of the Folketing; announcement of candidature in the election.
To be eligible for election as a Member of the Danish Parliament, candidates must be entitled to vote in a general election, and must not have been convicted of an offence that makes the candidate unworthy to sit in the Parliament. Members of Parliament decide whether a candidate is worthy to sit in the Parliament.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act of Denmark, Ch.1, P.1
https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/en/democracy/elections-and-referendums
Verified: 2019/05/27
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: An independent candidate must be recommended by at least 150 and at most 200 voters of the nomination district as supporters.
"If candidates stand as individuals and not as members of a party list, they are referred to as independents. However, very few people actually do this because it requires a large number of personal votes to be elected in this way."
Source: Parliamentary Election Act of Denmark, Ch.1, P.6, Art. 32
https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/en/democracy/elections-and-referendums
Verified: 2019/05/27
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Parties are eligible for direct funding from the Danish government based on their performance at the previous election.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns," p.372.
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/funding-of-political-parties-and-election-campaigns.pdf
Klaus Josefsen, Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
kjo(a)im.dk
Verified: 2019/05/27
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: The funding is allocated to each of the parties based on previous election results.
Source: https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/funding-of-political-parties-and-election-campaigns.pdf
Anne Birte Pade, Head of Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
adp(a)im.dk
Klaus Josefsen, Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
kjo(a)im.dk
International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
http://www.idea.int/publications/funding_parties/upload/full.pdf
Verified: 2016/10/14
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
http://www.idea.int/publications/funding_parties/upload/full.pdf
Verified: 2016/10/14
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Part 9
Computation of the Poll in the Nomination District
Counting of the Votes Cast at the Polling Station
68.-(1) When the voting is over, the polling supervisors and the appointed electors, cf. however section 74a, shall count the votes cast at the polling station. The counting is public. The number of votes cast for each party and for each independent candidate shall be counted.
Source: Elections Act, Ch.1, P.9, Art. 68(1).
https://valg.oim.dk/media/16286/consolidated-act-parliament-elections-incl-chapt2-2014.pdf
Verified: 2019/05/27
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
b . Always recounted d . By request
Comments: Recount in the Nomination District
72.-(1) Not later than on the day after the voting shall the local election committee assemble to undertake the final counting of the votes cast in the nomination district (recount). In nomination districts consisting of more than one municipality, the election committee shall assemble in the constituency municipality. The recount is public.
(2) The local council shall see to it that the poll books, the used electoral registers and poll cards, the ballot papers and the advance voting material are present at the recount. The local council shall keep a copy of the poll books.
Any voter has the right to complain about the election. [...] Requests for recounts are also considered.
Complaints
Any voter in the municipality or the region, respectively, may complain of the election. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the local council or the regional council, respectively, by the weekday after election day at the latest. Complaints are decided at a meeting to be held as soon as possible after expiry of the time-limit for the filing of complaints.
Source: Elections Act, Ch.1, P.9, Art. 72(1-2).
The Parliamentary Electoral System in Denmark, Ch.5, Art. 5.2
Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Interior
https://elections.oim.dk/local-elections/complaints/
Verified: 2019/05/27
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: "[The] guidelines of the “Danish Radio and Television” (a national public service station) ensure all political parties registered to participate in the elections equal access to pre-election programmes on radio and television. The parties in question (no matter how small) are given equal time free of charge to present their manifestos, etc. to the public. Advertisements by political parties on national Danish television and radio and local Danish television channels are not permitted, but are allowed on commercial radio broadcasting channels."
Source: The Parliamentary Electoral System in Denmark, Section 3.5, pg. 21.
https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/~/media/pdf/publikationer/english/the-parliamentary-system-of-denmark_2011.ashx
Verified: 2019/05/27
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source:
NORA: Nordic Journal of Women's Studies, Volume 9, Number 2, 1 October 2001, pp. 107-112
Verified: 2019/05/27
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments: The conduct and publication of opinion polls are not regulated by law. Consequently, such polls can be carried out and published right up to (or even on) election day.
Source: The Parliamentary Electoral System in Denmark, Section 3.5, pg. 21.
https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/~/media/pdf/publikationer/english/the-parliamentary-system-of-denmark_2011.ashx
Verified: 2019/05/27
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: 3.5. THE CAMPAIGN The election law does not stipulate rules for the conduct of election campaigns, either as regards the maximum amount of money to be spent or the time periods where campaigning may – or may not – take place.
Source: The Parliamentary Electoral System in Denmark, Section 3.5, pg. 21.
https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/~/media/pdf/publikationer/english/the-parliamentary-system-of-denmark_2011.ashx
Verified: 2019/05/27
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In addition to the referendums specified in the constitution, it is possible to call voluntary and non binding referendums.
Source: The Danish Constitution, Art. 20, 29, 42, 88
Parliamentary Elections Act, Part 12.
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2019/05/27
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: When a Bill has been passed by Parliament, within three weekdays of the final passing of the Bill, one-third of the Members of Parliament can ask the President for a referendum on the Bill. The request must be in writing and signed by the participating Members.
Source: Constitution of Denmark, P.5, Sec.42, SS.1
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2019/05/27
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In addition to the referendums specified in the constitution, it is possible to call voluntary and not binding referendums.
Source: The Danish Constitution, Art. 20, 29, 42, 88
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2019/05/27
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2019/05/27
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2016/10/14
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2016/10/14
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments: Turnout quotas
"A turnout quota is a rule specifying that the result of a referendum is not valid, binding or affirmative unless at least a minimum percentage of those entitled to vote in the referendum actually vote or unless the votes cast amount to a certain percentage of those entitled to vote. Turnout quotas exist in many jurisdictions. In Denmark, for example, referendums on constitutional change require approval by a majority of votes cast and at least 40 per cent of the electorate. Turnout quotas can prevent intense minorities (small groups who care very strongly about an issue, and who are therefore highly motivated to vote) from imposing their will on silent majorities (who, feeling less passionate about the issue, are less inclined to vote). As such, turnout quotas may increase the legitimacy of the result. However, a very high turnout quota (e.g. above 50 per cent) may make it unduly difficult to change the status quo."
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008), pg. 17-18. https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-primer.pdf
Verified: 2019/05/27
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2016/10/14
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2016/10/14
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Voters are not allowed to vote at polling stations other than the one where they are on the electoral register.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act of Denmark, Ch.1, P.7, Art. 45 (1)
Verified: 2019/05/27
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments: b) Danish voters living abroad as well as Danish Voters temporarily abroad can cast an advance vote at any Danish dipolmatic or consular mission.
g) Danish sailors and passengers on board Danish ships in foreign waters and persons employed at Danish off-shore installations may vote in advance on board the ship at the off-shore installation.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act of Denmark, Ch.1, P.8, Art.58(1)
Parliamentary Elections and Election Administration in Denmark, Ch.4, Art. 2(2)
Verified: 2019/05/27
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations e . By mail f . Other
Comments: c) Advance voting abroad can take place with a "voter receiver" appointment for particular purposes by the Ministry of the Interior (mainly used to serve Danish military personnel abroad, e.g. as members of UN peacekeeping forces)
f)Danish sailors serving on Danish ships in foreign waters - and Danish passengers as well - may also vote on board the ship. The ship's master collects these votes.
Postal voting abroad
"If you are abroad and so prevented from voting in Denmark on election day, you may vote by post at a Danish Embassy or Consulate abroad. It is, however, a condition that you are registered in the electoral register. There is no deadline for when you must have given your vote abroad for it to be counted, but postal votes must be given in sufficient time before election day for it to reach your former municipality of residence before the voting on election day starts at 9 o’clock. You must remember to bring identification, i.e. passport, driving licence or medical card."
Source: Parliamentary Election Act of Denmark, Ch.1, P.8, Art.58(1)
Parliamentary Elections and Election Administration in Denmark, chapter 4, art. 2(2)
http://fae.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/danish-citizens-right-to-vote-from-abroad/
Verified: 2019/05/27
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: On the ballot paper, the voter enters a cross against the name of a party or the name of a candidate.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act of Denmark, Ch.1, P.7, Art. 48 (1)
Verified: 2019/05/27
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