Elections in East Cerdani
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Elections in the Cerdani Democratic Republic take place periodically to elect representatives to the Volkskammer, as well as for each state and district and for local government councils. Elections in all jurisdictions follow similar principles, though there are minor variations between them. The elections for the Volkskammer are held under the national electoral system, which is uniform throughout the country, and the elections for state and district parliaments are held under the electoral system of each state and territory which are largely uniform with a few exceptions.
Voting is almost entirely conducted by paper ballot and is compulsory for all adults. Informal voting in elections is not significant, but donkey voting is not uncommon. They have, in rare occasions, had a deciding impact in marginal seats. All Volkskammer electorates have a guaranteed seat for the Communist Party and two free seats available for other parties or independent candidates.
Volkskammer
Election Day
Each jurisdiction has its own laws and customs as to when elections in the jurisdiction will take place. However, state and district elections cannot, by national law, take place within a week before or after the Volkskammer election.
Since 1950, elections have been held on Saturdays. Under the Constitution, the Volkskammer lasts no more than five years after it first meets, but may be dissolved earlier. After the Volkskammer is dissolved or expires, writs for election must be issued within 10 days and the election must be held on a Saturday between 33 and 58 days after the writs have been issued.
Voting
Voting in federal, state and territory elections is compulsory for all persons on the electoral roll. Voting can take place by a person attending in person at any polling place in their State on the election day or in early voting locations, or by applying for and mailing in a postal vote. Absentee voting is also available, but not proxy voting.
For every election, voters are given two ballots. The first ballot consists purely of Communist Party candidates. Voters number the candidates from most to least preferred or simply fold the ballot and put it in the box which is considered to be approval for the list. Voters can also tick an empty box at the bottom of the ballot to disapprove of all candidates.
The second ballot allows for representation from other political parties or independent candidates. Voters number their preferences based on which party and candidate they would wish to see in the Volkskammer. How-to-vote cards are usually handed out at polling places by members of the various parties. They suggest how a party supporter might vote for other candidates or parties.
Privacy arrangements allow for informal and protest votes to take place. At the 2011 national election more than 1.5 million people did not vote or voted incorrectly. Most polling places are schools, community halls or stadiums. Supporters of these places very commonly take advantage of the large number of visitors undertaking fund raising activity, often including raffles, cake stalls and recycling ventures.
National Front
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