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Geneva Local Reference INFOrmation

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Voting in Geneva, Switzerland

Information on who may vote in regional, cantonal elections and referendums in Switzerland and how to register as a voter and where and when to make your cross.

Switzerland operates a direct democracy and as such, has a full calendar of elections and popular votes. Four days (usually Sundays) are designated annually as voting days for federal, cantonal and communal elections.

Referendums are required before there can be any change in the constitution; a referendum can be requested for a change to a law.

See website Direct Democracy for information on the direct democracy system: Click here
And for information on political referendums: Click here
See the Swiss government website for information on the electoral system: Click here

Foreigners Voting in Geneva

Foreigners living in Geneva may vote in communal, local elections if all the following apply:

They are 18 years and older
They live legally – and are registered as residing – in the Canton of Geneva
They have lived legally in Switzerland for a minimum of eight years

Note: Diplomats and foreign diplomatic representatives are not eligible to vote. Foreign civil servants are only eligible to vote on request and with the agreement of their employer.

No foreigner has the right to stand for election.

Registering and voting

This right to vote allows a person to:

Elect city council members
Vote in local referenda and "popular votes"

Registration is automatic and a voting card and "how to" booklet will be sent by post up to two weeks before an election.

If a qualifying person has not received a voting card by one week before the election then contact "Suisse et Attestations" section of the Cantonal offices.

Cantonal Office of the Population (OCP)
At: 88 Route de Chancy
Open: Monday to Friday 09:00-15:30
Tel: 022 546 47 26
Website

Changes in status or of address must be reported to the OCP.

Voting can be done online, by post or in person.

Further Information

From the Geneva Cantonal Office: Click here
J'y vis, J'y vote Association website (in French) promoting the voting rights of foreigners in Switzerland