Council of States elections consist of one or two rounds.
The first round is held on the same day as the National Council elections, 22 October 2023. If necessary, a second round takes place in November. The cantons decide on precise dates.
Appenzell Innerrhoden is the only canton to hold its elections at a different time. They take place in April during the People’s Assembly (Landsgemeinde).
Cantons
Each canton decides the format of the election of its representative or representatives to the Council of States. It sends electoral material, organises the voting process, ensures that the vote runs smoothly and publishes the results.
Procedures are largely similar among cantons, although they vary in aspects such as the required majority or who is eligible to vote.
Communes
The communes generally run the polling stations. They are responsible for appointing the tellers to count votes at the polling stations, and for bringing the ballot boxes to the premises. On the day of the election, the communes ensure that the votes are counted correctly and provide the results to the cantons.
Political parties
Political parties and electoral groups nominate their candidates for election. The cantonal authority responsible for political rights can provide further information on the voting regulations in your canton.
Almost every canton conducts its elections according to the majority system.
Elections in Jura and Neuchâtel are based on the system of proportional representation.
Several media outlets will provide ongoing coverage of results on election day, including:
cantonal authorities’ websites
ch.ch provides information on how to create or join a political party.
ch.ch provides information on how many seats each canton has in parliament.