While many public votes are held in Switzerland, it is not the only country with instruments like popular initiatives and referendums.
Many states – some democratic, others not – hold referendums at the local or national levels. Have you ever experienced one? Let us know in the debate below.
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Global elections
What it takes for a referendum to be fair
This content was published on
Feb 23, 2026
Not only democracies hold referendums – semi-democratic and authoritarian states also run popular votes. Can such ballots ever be fair?
Read more: What it takes for a referendum to be fair