Fines for non-voters to increase voter turnout.
In Switzerland, we have the privilege to vote and participate in elections. Nevertheless, more than half of eligible voters regularly do not use this opportunity. The initiative aims to increase voter turnout through a moderate fine for unjustified non-participation, following the proven model of compulsory voting with symbolic sanctions, as has long existed in the canton of Schaffhausen.
Problem
- The official voter turnout in federal votes and elections is often below 50% based on the total population.
- Voter turnout is lower than one might think: after excluding children and foreigners, the majority (50.1%) often represents only about 15% of the population with current participation. A small group thus decides the future of everyone in Switzerland.
- Threatening fines probably does not bring uninformed citizens to the polls. Besides, the fine would probably have to be hefty to have an effect.
Solution
- Introduction of a small, symbolic fine for non-voters, following the example of the canton of Schaffhausen.
- Anyone who returns the voting or election envelope unfilled but on time is considered to have consciously abstained and will not be fined. This preserves the negative freedom to vote (right to abstain).
- The collected steering levy is used to promote democracy: education and support of institutions and associations (such as Smartvote).
- Revenue from fines is earmarked for investment in political (education). [Idea by Michael Elsner]
- No fines for non‑voters! Active voters can, however, claim tax deductions. Exact amount to be defined.
Benefit
Public support
Total votes: 28
Breakdown: NoChance: 10, FullyOnBoard: 7, SoundsGood: 4, Concerns: 3, NeedForDiscussion: 2, NothingAgainstIt: 2
Discussion
- diana hornung (2026-05-02): Female voters don't get buses, do they?
- ↳ Felix Kramer (2026-05-03): Thank you for the note. I will put more effort into it in the future. I think that the concept, even if it does not fully align with today's linguistic conventions, is understandable.
- Renato Pichler (2026-03-25): Higher voter turnout does not automatically mean there are "better" results. If people are forced to vote who do not want to and are not willing to inform themselves sufficiently, the result can be distorted. Or the "uniformed" simply vote as the Federal Council proposes, then one would be even further away from true democracy if the Federal Council can indirectly predetermine the voting result.
- ↳ Felix Kramer (2026-05-03): What are the better results? What is your personal conviction? Democracy thrives on the diversity of opinions, and we can trust each citizen to make good and correct decisions.
- ↳ Renato Pichler (2026-05-03): @Felix: A “better result” is indeed the goal of this initiative. From my perspective, a better result is one that best reflects the will of the people. For that to happen, it’s important that all votes are cast by well‑informed, minimally manipulated individuals. Poorly informed people (e.g., those who aren’t interested in the topic and don’t want to vote) can easily be manipulated.