Why Does Everyone Have Two Votes?
Article published by the Federal Government of Germany on 2025-02-12 12:30
The German electoral system is based on a system of universal suffrage, which means that every citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote. However, each voter has two votes: one for the first vote (Erststimme) and one for the second vote (Zweitstimme).
The first vote is used to elect candidates for the Bundestag, the German parliament. Germany is divided into 299 electoral districts, and each district elects one member of parliament. The candidate who receives the most votes in each district is elected.
The second vote is used to elect parties to the Bundestag. Germany has a system of proportional representation, which means that the number of seats each party receives in the Bundestag is based on the percentage of votes that it receives.
The two-vote system was introduced in Germany in 1949, and it has been used in every Bundestag election since then. The system is designed to ensure that the Bundestag is representative of the German people, and it has been successful in achieving this goal.
The two-vote system has a number of advantages. First, it ensures that the Bundestag is representative of the German people. The first vote allows voters to elect candidates who they believe will represent their interests in parliament. The second vote allows voters to choose parties that they believe will best represent their views on national issues.
Second, the two-vote system helps to prevent the Bundestag from being dominated by a single party. The proportional representation system ensures that even small parties have a chance to win seats in the Bundestag. This helps to ensure that the Bundestag is a diverse and representative body.
Third, the two-vote system makes it easier for new parties to enter the Bundestag. The proportional representation system gives new parties a chance to win seats even if they do not have a large number of voters. This helps to ensure that the Bundestag is a dynamic and responsive body.
The two-vote system is not without its critics. Some critics argue that the system is too complicated and that it can be difficult for voters to understand. Others argue that the system gives too much power to small parties. However, the two-vote system has been successful in ensuring that the Bundestag is representative of the German people, and it is likely to continue to be used in future Bundestag elections.
Warum hat jeder zwei Stimmen?
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