Optional referendum

The optional referendum (; , , ) is an instrument of direct democracy in Switzerland. It allows citizens to oppose laws voted by the federal parliament, cantonal and/or municipal decrees by legislative and/or executive bodies.

On a federal level a vote will be organised on every law against which opponent collect 50,000 valid signatures during the period of 100 days after publication by the parliament.

A referendum can also be requested by a minimum of eight cantons, the so-called cantonal referendum (not to be confused with a mandatory or optional referendum on a cantonal level).

It is different from a mandatory referendum in that a collection of signatures is necessary to organise the referendum.

History 
After pressure by a grass-roots movement, the optional referendum was introduced in 1874.

See also
Voting in Switzerland
Politics of Switzerland
Mandatory referendum
Popular initiative (Switzerland)
Swiss Federal Constitution

Bibliography
Vincent Golay and Mix et Remix, Swiss political institutions, Éditions loisirs et pédagogie, 2008. .

References

External links
Referendums in Switzerland

Category:Politics of Switzerland
Category:Referendums in Switzerland