The cantonal majority explained
For constitutional changes, a majority of voters is not enough: a majority of the cantons must agree too. This is the cantonal majority.
What is the cantonal majority?
Each canton works out its result from its own votes. A majority of yes gives one yes cantonal vote, otherwise one no. Twenty cantons count a full cantonal vote; the six half-cantons (Obwalden, Nidwalden, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden) count half. That makes 23 cantonal votes in total, and 12 are a majority.
When does it apply?
To every change to the Federal Constitution: popular initiatives, constitutional changes by Parliament, and joining collective security organisations or supranational communities. For ordinary laws and most treaties, the popular majority is enough.
Why does it exist?
Switzerland is a federation of cantons. The cantonal majority protects smaller and more rural cantons from being outvoted by the most populous ones on constitutional questions. This is why a vote in Uri carries more weight than one in Zurich.
When the people and the cantons disagree
A proposal passes only if both majorities say yes. Sometimes the people approve and the cantons reject; then the proposal fails. We show the result of both majorities on every vote.
Sources: Federal Chancellery (ch.ch, admin.ch), Federal Constitution Art. 140, 142.
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