Listening: The September 27 vote is just round the corner
Dear Swiss Abroad,
Voting Sunday on September 27 is unlikely to spring any surprises. The last poll ahead of the votes has given a clear indication of voting intentions.
The neutrality initiative is very likely to suffer a heavy defeat. Nearly two-thirds of respondents plan to reject it, according to the second voting poll commissioned by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (Swissinfo's parent company). In a period of geopolitical upheaval, security concerns are likely to weigh heavily on the result. Many voters fear that the stricter version of neutrality proposed by the initiative would limit collaboration with allies when it comes to defence matters.
The neutrality initiative has also not won over the Swiss Abroad who often have to explain Swiss neutrality in their host countries. Several expats have told us that Switzerland's unique stance is sometimes met with criticism abroad. It can be perceived as economic opportunism or even indifference. The Swiss diaspora often feel obliged to explain Switzerland's position and even correct erroneous notions of Swiss neutrality.
Discussions around neutrality have also overshadowed the food security initiative. The latest SBC poll indicates that 64% of respondents intend to reject it. The text wants the government to encourage the consumption of plant-based food for environmental and self-sufficiency reasons. The initiative has a bit more support from the Swiss Abroad, even if the majority intend to vote against it.
Have you received your voting material? If yes, our collection of articles on the September 27 vote will help you make an informed decision.
Happy reading
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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.
September 27 vote: Swiss neutrality initiative could face heavy defeat
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An initiative to anchor a strict interpretation of Swiss neutrality in the Constitution is heading for defeat, according to a nationwide poll.
‘Neutrality alone does not protect Switzerland against aggression’
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Is neutrality a principle to preserve or a policy that should adapt? We debated Switzerland’s neutrality initiative, which goes before voters on September 27, on Let’s Talk.
Expats struggle to explain Swiss neutrality abroad
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Switzerland’s neutrality is not always easy to explain, especially abroad. Many Swiss expats have to grapple with preconceived notions.
Russia sanctions at heart of Swiss neutrality vote
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Swiss voters will decide on a neutrality initiative on September 27. But how far do Switzerland’s sanctions against Russia go, and how effectively are they enforced?
Austria, Costa Rica and Malta: neutral but unlike Switzerland
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Apart from Switzerland, several countries – from Austria to Costa Rica via Malta – describe themselves as neutral. But their models differ significantly.
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The neutrality initiative, up for vote on September 27, would tie the government’s hands on economic sanctions. But do such measures really violate Swiss neutrality?
Should Swiss neutrality be stricter? Voters will decide
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On September 27, Swiss voters will decide on whether or not to enshrine a stricter definition of neutrality into the country’s constitution.
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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.
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What do direct democratic tools like popular initiatives and referendums really entail? And how has this unique system evolved over time?
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.
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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.