St. Gallen launches pilot project for digital signature collection
Keystone-SDA
The canton of St. Gallen presented Switzerland’s first e-collecting project on Monday. The pilot project for the electronic collection of signatures for referendums and initiatives will start in spring 2026.
Initiative committees can use the canton’s newly developed e-collecting platform to collect signatures electronically. This prevents incorrect and multiple signatures by automatically comparing the signatures with the electoral register.
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E-collecting simplifies the collection of signatures, explained those responsible at the St. Gallen State Chancellery at a media conference. The municipalities would also be relieved by having to certify fewer handwritten signatures.
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During the pilot trial, which is limited to seven years, a maximum of 50% of signatures for cantonal referendums and initiatives may now be collected electronically. Signatures must therefore continue to be collected in person.
Adapted from German by DeepL/ac
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