Besides the national referendum on obligatory civic duty and tax for the super-rich – both of which were soundly rejected at the polls on Sunday – voters in some Swiss cantons also cast their ballots on issues of local importance.
Vaud refuses to grant its foreigners the right to vote
A key issue, that of political rights for longtime foreign residents, was turned down in a cantonal vote in Vaud.
Two-thirds (63.6 percent) of voters refused to grant foreign nationals who have resided in Switzerland for at least 10 years and in Vaud for three, the right to vote and/or to be elected at the cantonal level.
Appenzell-Ausserrhoden also turned down voting rights for foreign nationals
The canton voted on whether to adopt a new constitution; included therein was a point of contention among residents: whether local foreigners should be allowed to vote.
In the end, 77.8 percent of voters approved the new cantonal constitution, but 72.8 percent opposed political rights for foreigners.
READ ALSO: Where in Switzerland do foreigners have the right to vote?
Fribourg: Rejection of the minimum wage
Following the recommendation of cantonal authorities as well as the local business community, 53.5 percent of voters turned down an initiative by the left parties and trade unions to introduce a minimum wage of 23 francs per hour.
READ ALSO: Where in Switzerland has the highest minimum wage?
Geneva: ‘Non’ to dental care subsidy
At stake in the cantonal referendum was the initiative instigated by the Social Democratic party, for “dental care for the entire population.”
Specifically, the initiative called for an annual check for 300 francs to cover dental visits. This check would be given to individuals eligible for health insurance premium reductions but who do not receive any other form of social assistance.
However, a very narrow majority of voters – 50.07 percent – turned down the proposal, which would have cost the canton an estimated 45.5 million francs per year.
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Zurich: ‘Nein’ to Affordable housing initiative
Zurich voters were called upon to decide the direction in which its very tight housing market in should develop – for instance, one of the requirements would be for the canton to be informed about anyone wishing to purchase large areas of land, and for what purpose, and for municipalities to get a right of first refusal on land.
However, 59.3 percent voted against this proposal.
But the government’s counter-proposal – in favour of increased housing subsidies – was accepted by a narrow majorty of 51 percent.
Also Zurich: Ban on lower speed limits
The majority – 56.77 percent – voted in favour of a change to the law that prohibits lowering the speed limit to 30km/h on main, cantonal and inter-municipal roads, with temporary exceptions limited to short stretches.
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And at the municipal level:
St. Gallen: No to safe sex
This issue called for voters to approve an initiative spearheaded by Young Greens, allowing people under 30 years of age to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases free of charge – that is, at taxpayers’ expense.
However, this will not happen: 66.4 percent of voters said no.
