It can be easy to have a myopic focus on US politics. Even living in Copenhagen, most of the news I consume is about the fast-approaching midterm elections. But, even situated within my US echo chamber, I know what today is: Denmark’s election day.
US politics are a big passion of mine, so I was excited to learn more about the Danish political system when I got to Copenhagen. I probably should have seen this coming — but there was a lot to learn. Many conversations over dinners in my homestay revolve around Danish politics, and in my Danish Language & Culture class, questions about Danish Parliamentary elections are a constant. With all these conversations and questions, I wanted to jot some notes for me, and for you, about what I’ve learned.
Who represents me here?
Well, it’s complicated.
There are more parties here than the States (not shocking). Instead of our two-party system, they have fourteen (shocking). There’s actually eighteen (shocking-est), but four didn’t reach the 2% vote threshold needed for representation in Folketing, the Danish Parliament.
In the most reductive sense, there are pros and cons. There’s a much wider range of opinion, which is pretty freeing. No more trying to fit the entire spectrum of economic and cultural views into two ideologies!
On the other hand, and I’ll just say it again, it is complicated. You could look for a breakdown of each party’s platform, but there’s so many that The Local DK had to split their article into two parts (see: part 1 & part 2)!
What are campaigns like?
President Biden announced his bid for office over a year and a half before the 2020 Presidential Election.
Danes learned that there would be a November 1st election on October 5.
In Denmark, “snap elections” can be called by the Prime Minister at any time. Otherwise, they’re held every four years. This makes the campaign cycle much, much shorter in Denmark.
With only about four weeks to campaign, the candidates campaign hard. They plaster posters across every available lamp post, street sign, and public restroom. Just an interesting note, and I’m not sure if there’s a law about this, but almost every poster has only the name, photo, and party of the candidate. Maybe a short motto.
When I say these posters cover the city, I mean it! I went back through some photos I’d taken around Copenhagen in the last two weeks and thought it’d be fun to play a game of “I Spy [the Danish political ad].” Hidden in all of the photos are inadvertent campaign ads, take a look!
What about election day?
I’m writing this on the evening of election day — votes are being counted, but as far as I can tell exit polls are inconclusive. I was in Copenhagen all day, and it felt like any other day. Voting happens much like it does in the US. From 8 AM to 8 PM, Danes go to the polls, which are often hosted at schools.
Even though I may not have seen it, election day is exciting for Danes. Most are eager to participate in the democratic process — in the last election voter turnout was a staggering 84.6%. Flags go up all around the city. You’ll spot them on busses and trains, atop buildings, alongside government and royal buildings.
It’s nice! There’s a real sense that, though election day comes with a few worries, there’s real good to be done by making sure your voice is heard in the Folketing.