Swiss Passport

Question 10 of 350 · Elections and popular votes

Anyone who wants to vote in elections and popular votes in Switzerland …

Wer in der Schweiz wählen und abstimmen will, …

Correct answer: A

  1. Amust have Swiss citizenship.muss das Schweizer Bürgerrecht haben.
  2. Bmust have a computer.muss einen Computer haben.
  3. Cmust have been born in Switzerland.muss in der Schweiz geboren sein.
  4. Dmust pay more taxes.muss mehr Steuern zahlen.

Why

Political rights at federal level are tied to Swiss citizenship. Without Swiss citizenship, you may not vote in national elections and popular votes.

Common mistakes

C: must have been born in Switzerland.
The place of birth does not matter. People who were born abroad and naturalised later may also vote.
D: must pay more taxes.
The amount of tax you pay has no influence. Every vote counts the same.

Topic

Who may vote in elections and popular votes?

At federal level, only people who have Swiss citizenship and are at least 18 years old may have a say. These people are called voters (Stimmberechtigte). Where you were born, how much tax you pay or whether you have a criminal record does not matter. Only a few adults are excluded: those who permanently cannot decide for themselves because of a serious mental illness or disability.

Having a say: rights and obligations · Elections and popular votes

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.