Swiss voters in Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Vaud decisively rejected initiatives that would have extended cantonal voting rights to certain categories of foreign residents. In Appenzell AR, 72.8 % voted ‘no’, while in Vaud 63.6 % opposed the proposal even though foreigners have enjoyed communal voting rights there since 2003.
Both initiatives would have allowed non-Swiss adults who had lived at least ten years in Switzerland—and three in the respective canton—to participate in referendums and cantonal elections. Supporters argued that granting a voice to the roughly 25 % of residents without Swiss passports would improve integration and reflect their economic contribution. Opponents, led by liberal-conservative and right-wing parties, insisted that full political rights should remain tied to naturalisation.
![Two Swiss Cantons Reject Voting Rights for Long-Term Foreign Residents]()
From a global-mobility perspective the votes signal that Switzerland’s highly devolved political system remains cautious about expanding migrants’ civic participation beyond local level. Long-term expatriates and their employers should therefore not expect rapid changes in political rights, even as foreign labour continues to underpin the economy.
Practically, the outcome has no immediate effect on work or residence permits, but it underscores the importance for foreign professionals of pursuing facilitated naturalisation pathways—especially those married to Swiss nationals or born in the country. HR departments may wish to update onboarding material to clarify the limited scope of political rights available to non-citizens.
The debate is unlikely to disappear: advocates have already hinted at a federal initiative, and French-speaking cantons Geneva and Neuchâtel continue to allow foreign residents to vote at the cantonal tier, providing a live comparison for future campaigns.
Both initiatives would have allowed non-Swiss adults who had lived at least ten years in Switzerland—and three in the respective canton—to participate in referendums and cantonal elections. Supporters argued that granting a voice to the roughly 25 % of residents without Swiss passports would improve integration and reflect their economic contribution. Opponents, led by liberal-conservative and right-wing parties, insisted that full political rights should remain tied to naturalisation.
From a global-mobility perspective the votes signal that Switzerland’s highly devolved political system remains cautious about expanding migrants’ civic participation beyond local level. Long-term expatriates and their employers should therefore not expect rapid changes in political rights, even as foreign labour continues to underpin the economy.
Practically, the outcome has no immediate effect on work or residence permits, but it underscores the importance for foreign professionals of pursuing facilitated naturalisation pathways—especially those married to Swiss nationals or born in the country. HR departments may wish to update onboarding material to clarify the limited scope of political rights available to non-citizens.
The debate is unlikely to disappear: advocates have already hinted at a federal initiative, and French-speaking cantons Geneva and Neuchâtel continue to allow foreign residents to vote at the cantonal tier, providing a live comparison for future campaigns.
