Electoral list

An electoral list is a grouping of candidates for election to a post, usually in proportional election systems. An electoral list can be registered by a political party or can constitute a group of independent candidates. Lists can be open, in which case electors have some influence over the order in which candidates within the list are placed, or closed, in which case the order of candidates within the list is fixed and voters effectively simply nominate their preferred party.

Non-proportional systems may also employ electoral lists for multi-member constituencies. The main difference between proportional and non-proportional electoral lists is that winning candidates for office are not elected by voters through ranked preference, but through a single choice between two or more parties' electoral lists.