The Shift Is Happening
Every year, thousands of Swiss associations hold their annual vote the same way they always have: paper ballots in a room, hands raised over Apéro, or email replies nobody counts properly.
It works — until it doesn't. Low turnout, disputed results, members who live abroad and can't participate. The problems are consistent because the method hasn't changed.
But the landscape is shifting. Since 2020, more associations have adopted digital tools — not because they love technology, but because they need better outcomes. Higher participation. Clearer documentation. Fewer disputes.
If you're thinking about moving your next vote online, this guide gives you a concrete path from "maybe" to "done."
Step 1: Check Your Statutes
Before anything technical, open your association's statutes (Vereinsstatuten).
Look for the section on voting. You'll find one of three situations:
Situation A — No mention of voting method
Good news: Swiss law (Art. 66-67 ZGB) lets you choose any method that treats members equally and produces documented results. Digital qualifies.
Situation B — "Schriftlich" (in writing) is allowed
Also good: courts generally accept digital votes as a form of written voting. You're covered.
Situation C — Only "Handmehr" (show of hands) is specified
You'll need a quick statute amendment first. The irony? You can usually pass that amendment at your current meeting.
Pro tip: Add a simple clause like: *"Abstimmungen können schriftlich, elektronisch oder durch Handerheben erfolgen."* This future-proofs your statutes.
Step 2: Build Your Voter List
This step is more important than the technology you choose.
Create a definitive list of who is eligible to vote:
Publish this list to members at least 2 weeks before the vote. Give them 5 business days to raise objections. This single step prevents most post-vote disputes.
Step 3: Write Unambiguous Questions
The most common online voting problem isn't technical — it's bad questions.
Bad: "Do you support the board's proposals?"
Good: "Do you approve the 2026 annual budget of CHF 45,000 as presented in Annex A?"
Each question should have exactly one interpretation. Test it on someone who hasn't been involved in the discussion.
For elections: list each candidate separately. "Do you elect [Name] as [Position] for the term 2026–2028?"
Step 4: Choose Your Timing
Online voting needs more time than you think — but not as much as you fear.
Recommended timeline:
Why more time matters: A 48-hour window sounds efficient but excludes travelers, part-time email checkers, and anyone having a busy week. Our data shows 7-day windows produce 35-40% higher participation than 3-day windows.
Step 5: Set Up the Vote
Whether you use dedicated software or a simpler tool, ensure these five things:
Step 6: Communicate Clearly
Draft three emails:
Email 1 — Announcement (2 weeks before)
Email 2 — Vote Opens
Email 3 — Reminder (24h before close)
Step 7: Close and Document
When voting closes:
Common Concerns Addressed
"What about members without internet?"
Provide a phone-in option or paper ballot by mail. Document that the alternative was offered.
"What if someone claims they didn't receive the link?"
Log every email delivery. Send from a verified domain. Use an email system that tracks delivery status.
"Can members vote by proxy?"
Only if your statutes allow it. If yes, document proxy authorizations separately.
"What if the system goes down?"
Choose a system with redundancy. Have a backup plan documented before you start.
The First Time Is the Hardest
Expect some friction. A few members will struggle with the technology. A few will question the validity. That's normal.
After your first successful digital vote, something shifts. Members see the participation rate (usually much higher). They see the documentation (much better than paper). They stop asking "Can we do this?" and start asking "Why didn't we do this sooner?"
**Ready to try your first digital Vereinsabstimmung?** Eroica Vote walks you through every step — from voter list to final protocol. Built for Swiss associations. Request a free pilot →
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