Geneva is one of the rare places in Switzerland where foreigners have the right to vote. People who have been in Switzerland for more than 8 years and are domiciled in a Geneva municipality have electoral and voting rights at municipal level. This right is also available, upon request and under certain conditions, to civil servants and international staff and members of their families who are resident in a Geneva municipality.

Votes on municipality matters are obviously not frequent, as many issues are decided at other levels (cantonal or federal). However, on 13 June, an interesting question will be asked in the City of Geneva which also concerns the international community: a Cité de la musique (Music City) should be built right in the centre of the Quartier des Nations. Full details about this project can be found at www.citedelamusique.ch.

The question could then be taken to the cantonal level ... where only the Swiss voters will have their say again. In fact, there is currently a debate on extending the right to vote and even to stand for election at cantonal level. Discussion to be monitored ... and commented.