Getting on the electoral register is simple and straightforward

The Application to exercise political rights form is available to download at revue.link/form

Numerous opportunities to participate in Swiss democracy

Swiss who live in Switzerland can exercise their democratic voice in many ways and can make political decisions more than once a year at municipal, cantonal and federal level with their vote. The rights of Swiss Abroad are not quite as wide-ranging. All expatriates can vote at national level. Apart from casting their ballots, they also have the right to sign petitions calling for referendums or popular initiatives, as well as the right to run for election to the National Council. Ten cantons – Berne, Basel-Landschaft, Fribourg, Jura, Geneva, Grisons, Neuchâtel, Solothurn, Schwyz and Ticino – also grant voting rights at cantonal level to their citizens living abroad.

As mentioned above, entries in the electoral register are permanent and do not need to be renewed. They are valid for the entire time that you are abroad. You can also ask to have your name removed from the register, by writing to the Swiss representation in your country of domicile. Note that your name will also be deleted from the register if your voting papers cannot be delivered three times in a row. Even if this occurs, it is still possible for you to get back on the electoral register without any problem.

One hindrance remains

Swiss Abroad, especially those who live overseas, often complain of receiving their voting papers too late and essentially being unable to vote as a result. They continue to clamour for e-voting – and the authorities have heard their call. Intense preparations are under way for a new series of e-voting pilots. Furthermore, a number of pilots trialling the dispatch of voting papers via diplomatic courier have already been completed and are now being evaluated.

Useful information about the federal elections – at www.elections-2023.ch

The 2023 elections are an important matter for the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), which has set up its own dedicated online portal at www.elections-2023.ch, providing useful information about the forthcoming elections. The website’s content includes the OSA 2023 election manifesto, information on the political parties and on any Swiss Abroad running for election to the National Council as well as reports in the Swiss media relating to the Swiss Abroad. (AW)