Standardised Surveys on Voter Behaviour, Switzerland

After each popular vote at federal level (with three to four votes held each year on 10 to 12 proposals), a standardised survey has been conducted since 1977 with a representative sample of voters on their interests, motivation, and competence on matters relating to voting and on politics in general. To make the surveys comparable, the variables have been standardised (about 430 variables). The cost of the surveys amounts to about EUR 120 000 per year. The time spent by government officials to administer the mandate is negligible. The results of the surveys are made available to the media. 