All you need to know about the September 28 national vote
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Listening: All you need to know about the September 28 national vote
Dear Swiss Abroad,
After seven months without a national vote, Swiss citizens will have to decide on two issues on September 28.
The first topic concerns the Federal Act on Electronic Identity (e-ID). After Swiss voters rejected a private sector-led project in 2021, the Federal Council is back with a new version but with a public model this time. This version has the support of the major political parties on both the right and the left. However, a referendum has been launched by a committee composed mainly of members of the Pirate Party, the Young Swiss People's Party, the Federal Democratic Union and groups opposed to the Covid-19 pandemic measures. The ‘no’ camp warns of a risk to personal data.
The second vote topic concerns the introduction of a tax on second homes. Last December, Parliament voted to abolish the rental value for primary and secondary residences. To compensate for tax losses in tourism-reliant cantons, Parliament introduced this special tax targeting only second homes.
Check out our explainer on the two vote topics below. We've also curated a selection of relevant articles to help you make an informed decision.
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As a correspondent at the Federal Palace for SWI swissinfo.ch, I report on federal politics for the Swiss Abroad.
After studying at the Academy of Journalism and Media at the University of Neuchâtel, my career path initially took me to various regional media, working in the editorial offices of Journal du Jura, Canal 3 and Radio Jura bernois. Since 2015, I have been working in the multilingual editorial department of SWI swissinfo.ch, where I continue to practise my profession with passion.
Swiss voters to decide – again – on introducing electronic ID
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A key step towards a digital society or a threat to data protection? On September 28, the Swiss will vote again on a new e-ID scheme.
Will Switzerland finally do away with imputed rental-value tax on homeowners?
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The Swiss imputed rental value system is complicated and provides opportunities for tax breaks. Citizens will vote on the issue on September 28.
‘Electronic identity will make life easier for Swiss Abroad’
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The Swiss government wants to introduce a free, voluntary digital identity document. Our two guests on the SWI swissinfo.ch Let’s Talk webcast discuss the topic.
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The Swiss government wants to introduce an electronic identity (e-ID) for citizens. The Swiss abroad are favour of the move.
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Home loans are cheap in Switzerland. There are good sides and bad sides to this. Here is what you need to know about mortgages in Switzerland.
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With high immigration and not enough new houses and flats being built, Switzerland’s housing shortage is getting worse. Just how severe is the problem?
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Living outside Switzerland doesn’t mean losing your right to vote. Yet only a small percentage of Swiss citizens living abroad actually cast their ballots. Here’s a short guide on how to vote from abroad.
Voting from abroad: How to register for Swiss elections
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Switzerland grants voting rights to its citizens living abroad. If you want to exercise your voting rights, you must first get on the electoral register.
How Switzerland’s political system of direct democracy works
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Together with neutrality and federalism, direct democracy is a part of the Swiss national identity and helps unite the various languages, religions and cultures in the country. This video gives you a short introduction to this unique political system. (Produced by swissinfo.ch on behalf of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad)Please note: This video was made in 2011. The political landscape has changed and the numbers are no longer representative. For more recent figures go to the Democracy Barometer project page.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.