On June 14th, voters in Switzerland will have their say on two federal initiatives, as well as on a number of issues of regional importance. We have selected the cantonal votes that are most likely to matter to local residents.
Let’s start with the issues on the national ballot.
First, there is the highly controversial ‘No to 10 million’ initiative,’ the result of which will determine if EU immigration to Switzerland will remain as it is currently, or whether it will be capped to prevent further population growth.
There is also another issue that voters will have to decide on: a proposed amendment to the Civilian Service Act.
In this lesser-publicised issue, voters will decide whether to side with the government, which seeks to make this alternative to the military service less attractive by tightening conditions for joining the service.
READ MORE: The ‘other’ issue Swiss will vote on in the June referendum
Now let’s move to cantonal issues.
Basel-City: Taxes
In this landmark vote, Basel citizens will decide whether their taxes should in the future be deducted directly from wages, or should the present system (which is in place in other cantons as well) of paying taxes once a year remain in place.
Concretely, under his proposal, companies with more than 50 employees will be required to regularly deduct a portion of their employees’ income for taxes and transfer it to the canton. Those who do not wish to participate can, however, opt out of the system.
This is a politically contentious issue, as it touches on fundamental questions such as personal responsibility and government intervention.
Geneva: Sunday shop openings
Genevans will vote on an amendment to the law governing shop opening hours.
The proposed amendment would allow businesses to open until 5 pm on December 31st, as well as two Sundays a year.
However, Sunday work would be voluntary, with a 100-percent pay supplement or equivalent time off in lieu.
Vaud: Minimum wage
The initiative proposes enshrining in the Vaud Constitution the principle that every working person must have a salary guaranteeing them a decent standard of living.
It provides for a minimum wage of 23 francs per hour, which would be automatically indexed to the cost of living.
The counter-proposal, which will be on the same ballot, also provides for the introduction of a cantonal minimum wage of 23 francs per hour, which can be adjusted annually by decision of the State Council.
It differs from the initiative by giving precedence to extended collective bargaining agreements and standard contracts stipulating mandatory minimum wages.
READ MORE: What is a Swiss collective bargaining agreement — and how could it benefit you?
Zurich: tax deductions for health insurance premiums
The move demands that the tax deduction for health insurance premiums be adjusted every two years to reflect changes in rates.
Currently, the deduction is adjusted every two years to reflect general inflation only.
Zurich: Three housing initiatives:
Home ownership
This initiative demands that in housing projects in which the canton or municipalities participate financially, an equal number of owner-occupied and rental apartments must be created.
Currently, cantonal housing subsidies primarily promote rental apartments.
More affordable and non-profit housing
This initiative seeks the establishment of a cantonal public institution that would construct, maintain, and rent affordable housing.
At least 500 million francs would need to be earmarked for this project.
The counter-proposal from the local Parliament and government also aims to provide, within three years. a sufficient, needs-based supply of housing.
Unfair evictions
This initiative seeks to obligate Zurich municipalities with a tight housing market to temporarily limit rents after conversions and renovations.
They should also be able to restrict the conversion of rental apartments into condominiums.
The Parliament and government’s counter-proposal stipulates clear requirements for landlords undertaking major construction projects, to avoid abusive evictions.
