Swiss Passport

Question 27 of 350 · Elections and popular votes

Who may vote in elections and popular votes at federal level?

Wer darf auf Bundesebene wählen und abstimmen?

Correct answer: B

  1. Apeople who live in SwitzerlandPersonen, die in der Schweiz wohnen
  2. BSwiss citizens aged 18 and overSchweizerinnen und Schweizer ab 18 Jahren
  3. CSwiss citizens who have no criminal recordSchweizerinnen und Schweizer, die nicht vorbestraft sind
  4. Dpeople who pay taxes in SwitzerlandPersonen, die in der Schweiz Steuern bezahlen

Why

At federal level, two things are needed: Swiss citizenship and an age of 18.

Common mistakes

A: people who live in Switzerland
Living in Switzerland is not enough. Foreign nationals in Switzerland may not vote at national level.
C: Swiss citizens who have no criminal record
A criminal record does not take away your right to vote. There is no such rule.
D: people who pay taxes in Switzerland
Foreign nationals also pay taxes. Nevertheless, they may not 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.