Aside from the national topics, Swiss citizens also cast their votes on matters of regional importance in the first round of referendums of 2026 including minimum wages and speed cameras.
Geneva: Minimum wage for summer jobs (60.6 percent in favour)
The proposal sought to amend the section of the Labour Inspection and Relations Act (LIRT) concerning the minimum wage for summer jobs.
Currently, a summer job is defined as employment of up to 60 days, performed between June 15th and September 15th, by a young person under 25 enrolled in a training program leading to a qualification recognised in Switzerland. Summer job wages are subject to the minimum wage law.
Geneva voters accpepted the amendment to the law calling for the minimum wage for this seasonal work to amount to 75 percent of the general minimum wage (24.59 francs per hour in 2026).
Aargau: Speed cameras (50.5 percent of votes in favour)
The initiative was launched by the Young Liberals, who argued that permanent radar devices on canton’s roads serve primarily to fill the state coffers.
Voters narrowly heeded their call that stationary speed cameras in Aargau may only be installed with the approval of the cantonal government, rather than arbitrarily by municipal police.
Approval will only be granted if the traffic situation at the planned location is unsafe and it can be demonstrated that other measures have been ineffective.
Basel-Country: Full tax deduction of self-paid premiums for mandatory health insurance (52.9 against)
The proposal calls for the full, unlimited deduction of self-paid health insurance premiums (basic insurance) from taxable income to relieve the burden on the middle class.
The cantonal parliament has drafted a counter-proposal that significantly increases the deductions for insurance premiums (for instance, 3,000 instead of 2,000 francs for adults).
However, voters rejected both measures, by 52.9 and 59.9 percent, respectively.
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Ticino: Wage dumping (52.6 percent against)
Voters weighed in on a proposal that would require companies headquartered in Ticino to notify the cantonal authorities of employment contracts in force, as well as those signed or terminated during the year.
Details would have to be provided regarding the type of contract, duration, function, type of qualification required for the position, previous salary for this position in the event of a replacement, place of work, hours worked, employment level, and salary.
The employee’s education, age, gender, nationality, type of permit, address, and number of dependent children must also be disclosed. If the authority receiving the notifications finds a clear violation of the anti-dumping law, it must forward a report to the competent authority for action.
The new law would also require the establishment of an office responsible for enforcing the Gender Equality Act. Failure to provide the information is subject to a fine of up to 5,000 francs.
However, 56.2 percent of voters said ‘no’ to this proposal.
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Schaffhausen: More money for public transport (65.6 percent in favour)
Voters approved the move for the canton to increase the funding of public transportation.
The city of Schaffhausen and the municipality of Neuhausen will primarily benefit from this measure.
The canton is also increasing by 2 million francs its subsidies for regional transportation in rural communities.
Solothurn: Higher child and education allowances for families (59.1 percent in favour)
After the acceptance of this proposal, monthly child allowances in Solothurn will be increased from 215 to 230 francs.
Education allowances will also rise at the same time.
These increases, which will cost nearly 8 million francs annually, will be argely financed by employers.
