BBC Weekend 6:00am - 10:00am

Listen Live

Search

Small canton could allow foreigner votes

Tuesday, 20 February 2024 06:30

The small mountain canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden could be the first German speaking canton to give voting rights to foreigners and lower the voting age to 16.

The half-canton is due to introduce a new constitution which will cement those rights. 

The document has had its first reading in the cantonal council. The voting changes survived the first round of votes, despite opposition from the Swiss People’s Party.

There are plenty of hurdles yet – all communes in the canton must vote on it and then it has to go to a people’s vote before it's adopted. 

 

 

Share

More from Bitesize News

  • Economic outlook uncertain for this year

    Switzerland’s economic outlook remains cautious, with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute forecasting growth of around one percent in 2026,although that depends on falling oil prices.

  • Geneva bans the burkini

    Geneva’s parliament has voted to ban the burkini in public swimming pools, ending months of heated debate.

  • Birthday candles banned in Geneva schools

    In response to the fire in Crans Montana, birthday candles have been banned in Geneva’s primary schools.

  • Transit tax moves closer

    Switzerland is moving closer to introducing a transit tax for foreign vehicles crossing the country.

  • Fake Nyon officer fined

    A man in his fifties has been convicted in Vaud after impersonating a police officer in several towns, including Rolle and Nyon.

  • Heavy traffic this Easter

    Heavy traffic is expected across Switzerland over the Easter holiday period, particularly on the A2 Gotthard autoroute and the A13 San Bernardino route from March 27.

Follow WRS

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play