E-ID Referendum on 28 September 2025 - your voice matters

CT
Aug 29
3 min read

Updated: Sep 8

By Carmen Trochsler, Australian Delegate to the Council of the Swiss Abroad, Adelaide, ctrochsler@csa-oceania.org

Swiss citizens living abroad have the right to vote in federal elections and referenda – a valuable link to Switzerland and a democratic privilege not to be taken for granted. While we may not vote on every issue, some decisions have a direct impact on those living outside of Switzerland. The upcoming vote on electronic identification (E-ID) is one such case.

What’s being voted on?

On 28 September 2025, Swiss voters will decide whether to introduce a new electronic ID (E-ID). A previous version was rejected in 2021 because it relied on private providers. This time, the proposal has broad political support and puts the Swiss government in charge of the system.

The state-issued E-ID enables users to prove their identity electronically. This means that many administrative procedures can be completed online, such as opening a bank account or taking out a telephone subscription. For Swiss Abroad, who currently have to travel to Switzerland to open a bank account, this would be a significant improvement if implemented by the banks. Swiss Abroad could also benefit from potential future uses of the E-ID, such as voting or signing referendums and initiatives. Today, voting material is still sent by post, which can be slow and unreliable abroad. With an E-ID, this step could potentially be replaced by secure digital authentication, making it easier for Swiss Abroad to exercise their political rights in a simple, secure, and modern way.

The use of the E-ID will be voluntary, but for those who choose it, it will simplify transactions with Swiss authorities and firms.

At his meeting on 23.8.2025 in Bern, the Council of the Swiss Abroad adopted a resolution, supporting a Yes to the E-ID Act in the popular vote on 28 September 2025. At the same time, the resolution calls on the responsible authorities, banks, and other service providers to swiftly integrate the E-ID into their systems in the event of a positive vote – with particular consideration for the needs of the Swiss population living abroad.

Not registered to vote?

If you’re a Swiss citizen living in Australia and not yet registered to vote, that can easily be changed.

· Download the registration form here

· Send it to the Consulate General in Sydney: sydney.cs@eda.admin.ch

It is too late now to register for the 28 September referendum, but sign up anyway so you’re ready for the next vote that matters to you or your family.

Do postal delays and costs discourage you from voting?

Many Swiss in Australia have shared concerns about the high cost of returning voting papers (currently AUD $15.05) and delays in receiving materials. Frustration also remains over the suspension of e-voting in 2019.

The good news: e-voting is available again as a trial for Swiss Abroad registered in the cantons of Thurgau (TG), St. Gallen (SG), Basel-Stadt (BS), and Graubünden (GR). Lucerne (LU) and Geneva (GE) are expected to join later this year and more will hopefully follow.

Delivery times have slightly improved thanks to some cantons sending out voting materials earlier – partly due to the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad’s ongoing advocacy.

To save on postage costs, we recommend checking with your canton (list here) if:

• they accept smaller return envelopes

• you can send the voting materials of several household members in one envelope.

For example, according to information from the Kanton of St. Gallen you can use a smaller return envelope (as long as the official ballot envelope is inside), reducing postage from AUD $15.05 to AUD $4.35.

Your Australian delegates on the Council of the Swiss Abroad continue to support the call of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad for:

• Earlier dispatch of voting materials

• Faster and broader access to e-voting

Let’s stay informed and engaged – even from the other side of the world. 

Your voice matters. Your vote counts.