White and zero rates

Several indicators can be calculated from election data to account for citizen participation. For municipal elections, the following 2 indicators are presented on WalStat: Participation rate: this rate is calculated by making the ratio between the number of ballots filed (1) and the number of electors registered (2) on the lists of electors. Since voting is mandatory in Belgium, this rate is naturally high. However, although Belgian citizens theoretically face a penalty by not going to vote a part of them does not fulfil this duty. White and zero rates: this rate is calculated by making the ratio between the number of blank and zero ballots that have been filed and the number of electors registered on the lists of electors. Blank and zero votes are counted in the ballots tabled and thus enter the turnout rate. 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 mandatory. (1) Bulletins tabled (communal elections): the ballots tabled shall include all the votes cast by the persons registered on the electoral roll. This figure counts valid votes as well as non-valid votes (white and zero 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 in Belgian territory for at least 5 years and who have taken the steps to be registered on the electoral lists.