Which authorities are directly elected by the people in Switzerland?

At federal level, voters elect the National Council and, under cantonal rules, the Council of States. Cantons and municipalities hold other popular elections for offices and procedures that vary locally.

What do Proporz and Majorz mean in Swiss elections?

Under Proporz, the share of votes won by lists or parties affects how seats are distributed. Under Majorz, individual candidates are central and must receive enough votes under the applicable rules.

What do cumulating and panachage mean in Swiss elections?

Cumulating means listing a name more than once where permitted. Panachage means combining candidates from different lists on one ballot, if the specific procedure allows it.

Is the Federal Council elected directly by voters in Switzerland?

No. The United Federal Assembly elects the Federal Council. Voters influence that election indirectly by electing the National Council and Council of States.

Elections in Switzerland

Elections in Switzerland determine who represents the population in parliaments and other public offices. Voting takes place at federal, cantonal and municipal levels, and procedures may differ. To cast a valid vote, follow the official documents and local instructions carefully.

Tip

Open your voting documents early and check which offices, lists and rules apply where you live. Decide which candidates or parties best represent a few priorities that matter to you. Submit your documents exactly as the official instructions require.

bySarah&Simon

In elections, eligible voters entrust political representatives with responsibility for a set term of office. Elections in Switzerland take place at federal, cantonal and municipal levels. At federal level, the people elect the National Council and, under cantonal law, the Council of States. Together, the National Council and the Council of States form the Federal Assembly. The National Council represents the population. Its seats are allocated among the cantons, and most cantons use proportional representation, known as Proporz, to elect its members. The Council of States represents the cantons. Each canton sets its election procedure, which often uses the majority system known as Majorz. Under proportional representation, parties, lists and their share of the vote are central. Depending on the ballot papers, voters may cross out names, repeat a name where permitted, or combine candidates from different lists—a practice called cumulating and panachage. Under the majority system, votes for individual candidates matter most. A candidate is elected if they receive the support required under the applicable rules; a second ballot may be held. The United Federal Assembly elects the Federal Council and other federal officeholders. The Swiss electorate does not therefore elect the Federal Council directly. Election procedures, eligibility and practical arrangements may vary between cantons and municipalities. The official documents for the specific election are therefore decisive.