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.

There are two sides. The right to vote (active suffrage) means: I may vote in elections and popular votes. The right to stand for election (passive suffrage) means: I can be elected myself, for example to the National Council. At federal level, every person entitled to vote can be elected. You do not need a particular job for this, and you do not have to speak several national languages.

Foreigners may never take part in national elections and popular votes, not even with a C settlement permit. You only get this right through naturalisation. Foreigners have other rights before that, for example joining an association or choosing their job. Some cantons and municipalities, mainly in western Switzerland, allow foreigners to vote at their level. This does not exist in the canton of Zurich.

Memory aid: Active: I elect. Passive: I am elected.