View Topic

Summary
The Definition of Abstention Act sought to settle a long-running disagreement over whether an abstention should be counted against a proposal, especially as Underhusen Speakers had interpreted it in different ways. It clarified that abstentions should not count against proposals or candidates at vote.

History
2016.03.16 - Original passage
2021.04.17 - Repealed by the Repeal of the Definition of Abstention Act

Current Text
NONE - Repealed in Full

Original Version

Time in Effect: March 16th, 2016 (passage of the Act) to April 17th, 2021

Legislative Votes: Underhusen | Overhusen

Version Text

Spoiler

Title
1. This act shall be entitled the Definition of Abstention Act.

Definitions
2. The term "abstain" in regards to votes (including but not limited to: Underhusen votes, Overhusen votes, ratification votes) shall be defined as any vote or non-vote that does not include only one of the terms "aye" or "nay".

3. The term "abstain" in regards to votes for elected office shall be defined as any vote or lack thereof that does not select from the prescribed candidates in the election.
  (a)The candidates in an election are defined by the Monarch or other election official in accordance with section IV.2 of the Wintreath Fundamental Laws.

4. Votes marked "abstain" shall not contribute for/against any majority or supermajority for the passing and/or ratification of any bill, nor shall votes marked "abstain" contribute towards the election of any candidate.

Enforcement
5. This act affirms the right of any citizen to abstain from voting during any vote and for any purpose.

Amended by the Repeal of the Definition of Abstention Act

Summary: After questions arose about the legality of this act outside the chambers of the now-extinct Storting, the Right to Abstain Amendment Act was passed which covers all elections and votes sanctioned through the Fundamental Laws and making this act redundant at best. This amendment repeals the act in full.

Time in Effect: April 17th, 2021 to present

Legislative Discussion: Landsraad

Repeal Text

Spoiler

Title
1) This Act shall be titled the Repeal of the Definition of Abstention Act

Repeal
2) The Definition of Abstention Act is repealed in full.

Repeal Effect

Spoiler

1. This act shall be entitled the Definition of Abstention Act.

Definitions
2. The term "abstain" in regards to votes (including but not limited to: Underhusen votes, Overhusen votes, ratification votes) shall be defined as any vote or non-vote that does not include only one of the terms "aye" or "nay".

3. The term "abstain" in regards to votes for elected office shall be defined as any vote or lack thereof that does not select from the prescribed candidates in the election.
   (a)The candidates in an election are defined by the Monarch or other election official in accordance with section IV.2 of the Wintreath Fundamental Laws.

4. Votes marked "abstain" shall not contribute for/against any majority or supermajority for the passing and/or ratification of any bill, nor shall votes marked "abstain" contribute towards the election of any candidate.

Enforcement
5. This act affirms the right of any citizen to abstain from voting during any vote and for any purpose.