Voting Matters in Swiss Cantons: Top Contested Topics Slated for May

In 2025, four referendum dates have been lined up: February 9th, May 18th, September 28th, and November 30th. Excluding the May event, the remainder of the votes will tackle significant national issues.

The May 18th ballot, however, buckles the trend as it solely includes cantonal votes. Let's break down a few of these cantonal votes:

Aargau

A popular initiative named 'Equal Pay in the Canton of Aargau - Now!' advocates for stricter gender pay analysis than mandated by federal law. For federal companies with over 100 employees, this wage analysis is already a requirement, but the Aargau initiative aims to extend this rule to businesses with at least 50 employees [1].

Zurich

Voters will consider an amendment to the tax law, aimed at reducing corporate income taxes by 1%. Currently, the tax rate for businesses in the canton stands at 19.6%, and this proposal is asking taxpayers to approve a reduction to 18.6% [1]. This change, if approved, would likely result in less revenue for public coffers, but the point is to make Zurich more attractive for businesses, thus creating more jobs and income [1].

Basel-City

The 'Safe Cycling Routes' initiative demands wide, well-marked bicycle priority routes, along with safe crossings for bikes and pedestrians on public roads. Proponents argue that the existing bicycle infrastructure is subpar and requires improvement [1].

Geneva

A key issue on the ballot is a quicker transition to solar energy. The initiative aims to make the installation of photovoltaic panels on suitable roofs and facades mandatory, targeting complete deployment by 2035 [1]. To streamline the implementation of this measure, the initiative proposes an accelerated procedure – projects that comply with federal law would not require official authorization [1].

So there you have it, folks! Make sure to stay informed and take part in the democratic process when the time comes. For the most up-to-date information on your canton's specific referendums, consult your local government announcements or regional news outlets.

In 2025, the canton of Aargau is considering a popular initiative calling for stricter gender pay analysis within businesses that employ at least 50 employees, an extension of the current rule for federal companies with over 100 employees.
The canton of Zurich's May 18th ballot includes a proposal to decrease corporate income taxes by 1%, potentially creating more jobs and income while losing revenue for public coffers.
The 'Safe Cycling Routes' initiative in Basel-City, if approved, would prompt the development of wide, well-marked bicycle priority routes and safer crossings for both bikes and pedestrians on public roads.
In Geneva's 2025 ballot, voters will deliberate on a proposition advocating for a quicker transition to solar energy, with the installation of photovoltaic panels on suitable roofs and facades being made mandatory, targeting complete deployment by 2035. The plan proposes an expedited procedure for project implementation, bypassing the need for official authorization if it adheres to federal law.