Polity Atlas
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How Swiss direct democracy works

Swissinfo (SRG SSR) · 2025

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2026-09-01

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EstablishedAt federal level the mandatory referendum dates from 1848, the optional referendum from 1874 (50,000 signatures within 100 days) and the popular initiative from 1891 (100,000 signatures within 18 months). Initiatives and mandatory referendums need a majority of voters and of cantons.EstablishedMean participation in federal popular votes was 48.4% in 2024 (46.7% in the 2023 national elections), and women gained the right to vote in federal elections only in 1971.