JQuery - Get select value

Question

I\'m trying to get the selected value from a drop down list via jQuery. I have a bit of javascript that validates a form when I click SEND, to make sure there are no blanks,

Answer 1

val() returns the value of the <select> element, i.e. the value attribute of the selected <option> element.

Since you actually want the inner text of the selected <option> element, you should match that element and use text() instead:

var nationality = $("#dancerCountry option:selected").text();

Answer 2

var nationality = $("#dancerCountry").val(); should work. Are you sure that the element selector is working properly? Perhaps you should try:

var nationality = $('select[name="dancerCountry"]').val();