The Federal Council has confirmed that Swiss voters will go to the polls on 29 November 2026 to decide on four federal measures: the extra VAT financing of the 13th AHV pension, a popular initiative to restrict fireworks, a popular initiative to abolish the marriage penalty in federal taxes, and an amendment to the War Material Act that would loosen export controls.
The decision, taken at the Federal Council meeting on 24 June, came with the proviso that the two popular initiatives could still be withdrawn within the 10-day deadline after parliament’s final vote. That deadline has now passed unused, so all four proposals will go to the vote as planned.
Voting will take place on Sunday, 29 November 2026, with results expected later that evening.
The Four Ballot Measures For Swiss Voters
1. Extra VAT for the 13th AHV Pension
The first measure is a federal resolution to raise the standard VAT rate by 0.4% points to 8.5% in order to co-finance the 13th AHV pension, which was approved by voters in March 2026 and is due to be paid out for the first time this year. Because the change requires an amendment to the Federal Constitution, it must go to a mandatory referendum.
The partial financing through VAT was the result of a compromise between the National Council and Council of States after protracted negotiations in June.
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2. Initiative to Restrict Fireworks
The popular initiative “For a Restriction of Fireworks” calls for a nationwide ban on loud fireworks such as rockets and batteries for private use, with exceptions for large public displays, for example on 1 August. The initiative comes from animal protection circles and seeks to reduce noise and distress for pets, wildlife and people with sensitivities.
3. Initiative to Abolish the Marriage Penalty
The second popular initiative, “Yes to Fair Federal Taxes for Couples Too – Abolish Discrimination Against Marriage at Last!”, aims to eliminate the so-called marriage penalty in federal direct taxation, under which married couples can pay more tax than two unmarried people living together.
The measure comes despite the fact that voters in March 2026 approved individual taxation, an indirect counter-proposal that also addresses the marriage penalty but in a different way. The Centre Party’s “Fairness Initiative” is now being put to the vote regardless, meaning voters will have a second say on the issue.
4. Amendment to the War Material Act
The fourth measure is a parliamentary amendment to the War Material Act that would loosen export controls for certain types of military goods to 25 Western partner states, including the USA. The change would largely abolish so-called non-re-export declarations and give the Federal Council more scope to grant exceptions.
The reform is intended to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for defence exports to trusted allies while maintaining strict controls on sensitive items.
The Federal Chancellery will now prepare the official voting brochures, which set out the Federal Council’s and parliament’s recommendations, as well as arguments from proponents and opponents of each measure.
