Civilized voting

 

Today was a big day in our family. Rick voted as a Swiss citizen for the first time.

He received his acceptance of Swiss Nationality. 18 February. In early March he received his first voting package automatically. A majority of Swiss vote by mail.

Those who don't, go to their local voting place, usually a marie (town hall) and drop off their ballot. These are open from 10-12.

Four people, other village residents, greeted us with smiles. We asked if we could take a photo of this important moment in life.

They checked his ID against the signature card that must accompany all ballots which are sealed in a separate envelope.

Then he was led to the ballot box and I was given time to get the camera ready.

After we were invited to have coffee or tea as well as a croissant or pain au chocolate, which we did.

Probably next time we will vote by mail, but there is something about the warmth that convinced us we were both right in becoming Swiss.

The results were announced later in the day. 

Voting should be this easy everywhere not a political battleground.