Can anyone change the Swiss constitution?

The real rule

Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.

The joke works because it is true: in Switzerland a citizen can start a change to the constitution with 100,000 signatures in 18 months, and then the whole country votes. People vote three or four times a year, on big questions and small ones. As a newcomer you cannot vote at federal level, but you will see the posters and the booklets, and the results shape daily life, so it pays to follow along.

Why Switzerland works

The rule, explained

The Federal Chancellery puts it plainly: with a popular initiative, voters can demand a change to the federal constitution. It needs 100,000 valid signatures within 18 months. If they come together, the whole country votes. Every voter receives the official papers at home: the ballot and the Federal Council's booklet with the arguments of both sides. There are three or four federal voting days a year; in 2026 they fall on 8 March, 14 June, 27 September and 29 November. Signing and voting are for Swiss citizens, but the results shape everyone's daily life.

Sources: Federal Chancellery, Volksinitiativen; Federal Council explanations, 8 March 2026; ch.ch, vote and election calendar

Questions people ask

How many signatures does a Swiss popular initiative need?

100,000 valid signatures, collected within 18 months (Federal Chancellery).

How often does Switzerland vote?

Three or four federal voting days a year (ch.ch).

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