Direct democracy
Is there any other country where people have as many democratic rights as in Switzerland? People vote on specific issues three to four times a year. Every four years there are parliamentary elections. The separation of powers ensures that power is not concentrated in the hands of any single person or political party: this is a fundamental principle of Swiss democracy.
Turnout for votes and elections
Usually around 48% of those eligible to vote cast their ballots in federal votes. Voter turnout may be higher or lower depending on the issue that is being voted on. Turnout is similar in elections: just under 50% of Swiss women and men normally vote in federal elections.
Casting your ballot
Voters have
various ways of casting their ballots:
By post: voters send their ballot paper by post in the official envelope or pop it in the mail box at their local council offices.
At the ballot box: voters can put their ballot paper in the ballot box at the local polling station.
Separation of powers
Power is divided among the three branches of the State, the legislature (Parliament), the executive (Federal Council) and the judiciary (courts).
Right to vote and to be elected
Swiss citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote. They can also stand as candidates for public office. Around 5.5 million people are eligible to vote.
Popular votes
The Swiss are world champions at voting: they vote on every amendment to the Constitution. By launching a popular initiative or calling for a referendum, citizens can demand that a vote be held on a political issue.
A wide range of parties
Switzerland’s political landscape is home to a diverse range of parties, none of which has a majority at federal level - neither in Parliament nor in the Federal Council.
E-voting
Between 2004 and 2019, more than 300 e-voting trials took place during elections and referendums across 15 cantons. In 2019, the federal government decided to reframe the trial phase and has since been working with the cantons to establish trials using a fully verifiable system.
People’s assemblies (Landsgemeinden)
In the cantons of Glarus and Appenzell Innerrhoden, several thousand voters gather outdoors once a year to vote in a people’s assembly (Landsgemeinde). They vote to elect their representatives and to decide on proposals that affect their canton. The people’s assembly is an ancient form of Swiss democracy.
