Swiss Passport

Question 122 of 350 · Municipalities and the city of Zurich

Who counts the ballot papers in political votes?

Wer zählt bei politischen Abstimmungen die Stimmzettel?

Correct answer: B

  1. Athe military officedas Militärbüro
  2. Bthe electoral officedas Wahlbüro
  3. Cthe voters themselvesdie Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger selber
  4. Dthe policedie Polizei

Why

The electoral office counts the ballot papers. It is made up of people from the municipality who are appointed for this task.

Common mistakes

D: the police
The police ensure security, but they do not count votes.
C: the voters themselves
The voters do not count the votes themselves. That would not be neutral.

Topic

Municipal assembly, municipal council, City Council

In the canton of Zurich there are 160 political municipalities (as of 2026). The learning brochures say «over 150». In the past there were more. Some municipalities have merged; this is called a municipal merger. The largest municipality is the city of Zurich; many others are small villages. In all municipalities, citizens have a say by taking part in elections and popular votes. The ballot papers are counted by the electoral office.

Canton and municipality of Zurich · Municipalities and the city of Zurich

Sources

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