Who counts the ballot papers in political votes?
Wer zählt bei politischen Abstimmungen die Stimmzettel?
Correct answer: B
- A the military officedas Militärbüro
- B the electoral officedas Wahlbüro
- C the voters themselvesdie Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger selber
- D the policedie Polizei
Why
The electoral office counts the ballot papers. It is made up of people from the municipality who are appointed for this task.
Common mistakes
- D: the police
- The police ensure security, but they do not count votes.
- C: the voters themselves
- The voters do not count the votes themselves. That would not be neutral.
Topic
Municipal assembly, municipal council, City Council
In the canton of Zurich there are 160 political municipalities (as of 2026). The learning brochures say «over 150». In the past there were more. Some municipalities have merged; this is called a municipal merger. The largest municipality is the city of Zurich; many others are small villages. In all municipalities, citizens have a say by taking part in elections and popular votes. The ballot papers are counted by the electoral office.
Canton and municipality of Zurich
Municipalities and the city of Zurich
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 122 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.