Several Danish local election candidates with few or even zero votes from the last election are giving it another try, showing the grassroots side of local democracy.
Quiet Candidates Step Forward Again
As campaign posters go up across Denmark, not every name on the ballot belongs to a well-known figure. In many municipalities, candidates who received very few votes four years ago are once again signing up to run in the Danish local elections.
One of them is Oluf La Cour from the Radical Liberal Party in Esbjerg, who received just eight personal votes last time. He says it still makes sense to take part since it can be hard to fill every spot on a party’s list. His attitude reflects a practical side of local politics, where participation sometimes matters more than personal ambition.
In Tønder Municipality, another candidate, Johan Johansen from Venstre, is aiming slightly higher—eleven votes this year instead of ten. He admits he probably will not be elected, but like many minor candidates, he believes it is important that someone steps up.
The Candidate Who Got Zero Votes
Few moments in electoral history stand out quite like that of Preben Thonny Olsen. Running for Venstre in Tønder in 2021, he ended up with zero votes. According to him, that result was no accident. The local party branch needed more names on the list, and he volunteered, though he personally voted for another Venstre candidate.
He even asked his wife not to vote for him. Olsen says he enjoys working behind the scenes instead—helping with campaign posters and equipment for the current election. For him, this sort of community contribution feels more meaningful than being out front as a candidate.
His story, while unusual, highlights how local elections often rely on volunteers who give their time simply to keep the democratic process moving. Without them, many parties would struggle to present a complete candidate list.
Why Run With Little Chance of Winning
Ulrik Kjær, a political science professor at the University of Southern Denmark, explains that smaller candidates serve an important function. Having full lists allows parties to show they are active and well-organized. It gives an impression of confidence, which can attract more voters overall.
He also points out that even a handful of extra votes can make a difference. A few personal votes spread across many candidates can shift the balance in a close race. What looks insignificant to outsiders might actually help decide which party gains an extra seat on the local council.
Interestingly, at the last election in 2021, the fewest personal votes earned by a winning candidate belonged to Venstre’s Karsten Nielsen on Læsø, who made it in with 21 votes. On the other end of the scale, Aarhus’s former Social Democratic mayor Jacob Bundsgaard secured more than 19,000. The gap between them shows just how uneven local representation can be depending on the size of each municipality.
Still, cases like Olsen’s remain rare. Kjær notes that it is very unusual for someone not to vote for themselves. Yet such examples underline the personal and sometimes quirky nature of Danish local politics, where civic duty often outweighs any hope of personal success.
Small Numbers That Still Matter
Because Danish municipalities vary greatly in size, the number of votes required to make a difference also varies. In smaller places, even 10 or 15 votes can decide who joins the local council. For many, that simple fact is enough reason to keep going.
In the end, these little-known candidates are vital to how democracy functions. They represent a broader commitment to participation, not just prestige. Whether they win one hundred votes or none, their willingness to stand for election helps keep local government connected to the people it serves.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Local Elections See Half of Voters Still Undecided
DR: Preben Fik Nul Stemmer: Konen Fik Ordre Om, Hun Ikke Måtte Stemme På Mig
