On 27 September, there are two federal referendums in Switzerland. The Neutrality Initiative proposes enshrining in the Constitution that Switzerland may not participate in economic sanctions or military conflicts that do not directly affect it. The Food Initiative calls on the government to promote local production and a diet with less meat and more plant-based foods. Two very different issues, two debates that are already heating up.
If you hold dual Swiss and Spanish nationality, you are entitled to vote in both countries. Your polling papers will be sent automatically by post to your registered address, without any further action required, provided you are correctly registered with your local council and your Swiss citizenship is in order. If you have recently become a naturalised citizen, if you have recently changed your address, or if you have simply never received ballot papers, it is worth calling your commune this week to check that your details are up to date. Registration deadlines vary by canton, and some close before 10 September.
If you do not hold Swiss citizenship, you cannot vote at federal level. However, in some cantons, foreign nationals with a residence permit are allowed to vote in cantonal and municipal referendums: this is the case in Neuchâtel, Jura, Vaud, Fribourg, Graubünden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden, with different conditions applying in each. It is not the norm in Switzerland, but neither is it unusual.
And if you are unable to vote at either level, you can still follow the debate, find out more and have your say. The two initiatives on 27 September will have a direct impact on issues that affect us all, whether or not we are Swiss citizens.