Whites and zeros

Several indicators can be calculated from election data to account for citizen participation. With regard to municipal elections, the following two indicators are presented on WalStat: Participation rate: this rate is calculated as the ratio between the number of ballots cast (1) and the number of voters registered (2) on the electoral roll. As voting is compulsory in Belgium, this rate is naturally high. However, although Belgian citizens theoretically expose themselves to a penalty by not going to vote a part of them does not fulfil this duty. Blanks and zeros: this rate is calculated as the ratio between the number of blank and invalid ballots cast and the number of voters registered on the electoral roll. Blank and null votes are counted in the ballots cast and thus enter into the turnout. However, they are not included in the calculation of the distribution of seats. It is therefore a form of abstention in a system where voting is compulsory. (1) Bulletins submitted (municipal elections): the ballots cast include all the votes cast by the persons entered on the electoral roll. This figure counts valid votes as well as invalid votes (blank and null votes). (2) Registered: this is the number of persons registered on the electoral roll. These lists include Belgian persons who have the right to vote and who are domiciled on Belgian territory (in the context of municipal elections) or non-Belgian persons who have resided for at least 5 years on Belgian territory and who have made the step to be registered on the electoral lists