Dear Swiss Abroad,
The first “voting Sunday” of the year is approaching – and it promises to be an exciting one.
Several questions remain wide open. Opposition to the SBC initiative has grown slightly: 54% of voters say they would reject the proposal, which seeks a reduction in the radio and TV licence fee from CHF335 ($435) to CHF200 per year and per household, according to the second nationwide survey published on February 25 (see below). The initiative’s strongest backing comes from supporters of the Swiss People’s Party, while the “no” camp has been steadily gaining ground across almost all demographic groups.
Despite this trend, the gfs.bern research institute remains cautious. “Many indicators suggest that the SBC initiative will be rejected, but we cannot guarantee it,” says political scientist Martina Mousson.
The initiative on individual taxation for married couples is proving even more suspenseful. After an early lead, support has slipped throughout the campaign. Today, only 52% of respondents say they would vote in favour of the proposal – a level that may not be sufficient to secure approval at the ballot box.
The situation appears clearer for the remaining two issues being decided on March 8: the counter-proposal to the “Cash is freedom” initiative is likely to pass, while the climate fund initiative has virtually no chance of securing a majority. Get ready for a tense voting Sunday by consulting the latest polls, revisiting our explainer articles, or watching our recorded debate.
Happy reading,
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Swiss Politics
Most Swiss Abroad are already familiar with individual taxation
This content was published on
Feb 24, 2026
On March 8, Swiss voters will decide whether to replace the current system of joint taxation of married couples with individual taxation, an approach already familiar to most Swiss living abroad.
Read more: Most Swiss Abroad are already familiar with individual taxation
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How are married couples taxed in your country of residence? What are the pros and cons of this system?
On March 8, the Swiss will vote on the introduction of individual taxation for married couples. We’d like to know what the system is like where you live.
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Moving abroad
How to vote from abroad as a Swiss citizen
This content was published on
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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.
Read more: How to vote from abroad as a Swiss citizen
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Moving abroad
Voting from abroad: How to register for Swiss elections
This content was published on
Oct 16, 2024
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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