EN
This article describes and classifies the wide range of local electoral systems in Western Europe. The diversity of local electoral systems may be a source of inspiration. However, it is debatable whether local systems really matter. The actual research along these lines appears to be very scarce. Governments wishing to change the functioning of local democracy by changing the core elements of electoral systems should perhaps experiment. It is probably the only way to check potential effects of local electoral systems on the functioning of local democracy. The existing lack of useful knowledge, should not stifle debate on the advantages and disadvantages of local electoral systems, because they are at the heart of democracy.