The popular initiative explained
A popular initiative lets eligible voters demand a change to the Federal Constitution. The people decide at the ballot box.
What is a popular initiative?
A popular initiative is a request by citizens to change or add to the Federal Constitution. An initiative committee drafts the text and starts collecting signatures.
How many signatures are needed?
100,000 valid signatures of eligible voters, collected within 18 months of publication in the Federal Gazette (Art. 139).
Double majority
An initiative passes only if both a majority of voters and a majority of the cantons approve (Art. 142).
Direct counter-proposal
The Federal Council and Parliament recommend accepting or rejecting an initiative. Parliament may set a direct counter-proposal against it. Voters then vote on both texts and say which they prefer if both are accepted. The initiative committee may withdraw the initiative until the vote is scheduled.
How long does it take?
From signature collection to the vote it usually takes several years: up to 18 months of collecting, then checking, the Federal Council's message and debate in Parliament.
Sources: Federal Chancellery (ch.ch, admin.ch), Federal Constitution Art. 138, 139, 142.
Back to: How do votes work in Switzerland?