Question 134 of 350 · Elections and popular votes
When may residents without a Swiss passport take part in national votes?
Wann dürfen Einwohnerinnen und Einwohner ohne Schweizer Pass an nationalen Abstimmungen teilnehmen?
Correct answer: C
Why
National votes are only for Swiss citizens who are entitled to vote. This applies to all proposals, whether initiative or referendum.
Common mistakes
- A: only in votes on popular initiatives
- Also in popular initiatives, only Swiss citizens entitled to vote may take part.
- B: only in national referendums
- Also in referendums, there is no exception for foreigners.
- D: only in the votes at the end of the year
- The date does not matter. Without a Swiss passport, you can never vote at national level.
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.