Overview of Sunday’s referenda in Vaud
The canton of Vaud staged a multi-faceted vote that highlighted tensions between inclusion, party representation, and local conservation. While one proposal on easing voting rights for foreigners failed, another reform aimed at helping small parties win seats in the Grand Council advanced. A separate initiative related to the Mormont hill and a third on mobility and culture also shaped the day’s outcomes, underscoring Vaud’s active engagement in both civic and cultural life.
Foreigners’ voting rights: a negative signal for change
Vaud’s constitution currently requires foreigners to have lived in Switzerland for at least ten years and to be domiciled in the canton for three years to vote and stand for election. The government-decree proposal, inspired by a parliamentary initiative from leftist deputy Hadrien Buclin, sought to shorten the waiting period. After about 92% of ballots counted, the result was a clear “non”: 103,874 votes against 81,980 in favor, with participation around 45.6%. The outcome preserves the existing ten-year Swiss-residency requirement and the cantonal three-year domicile rule. The result signals the population’s cautious stance on extending participation rights in local elections, even as debates on inclusion continue at other levels of Swiss democracy.
Small parties: easier access to the Grand Council
In a contrasting development, voters appeared more receptive to increasing the leverage of smaller parties in the cantonal legislature. With around 90% of votes tallied, the tally favored the proposal: approximately 90,073 for, 79,547 against, and turnout near 45.5%. If implemented, the reform would take effect in the next proportional elections for the Grand Council in March 2026, potentially reshaping the balance of power by lowering barriers to seats for smaller formations. The reform has been in discussion since 2021, tied to broader debates about the LEDP (Law on the Exercise of Political Rights).
Seeking to protect Mormont: the initiative vs. the counter-proposal
A separate, regionally resonant issue concerned the Mormont hill near Eclépens. The initiative Sauvons le Mormont aimed to protect the hill through constitutional means; however, the counter-proposal from the State Council—favoring protection via ordinary law and highlighting circular-economy principles—captured broad support. With about 87% of ballots counted, the counter-proposal stood at 67.74% in favor, while the initiative earned only 38.80% support. The turnout was roughly 45.3%. The hill gained international attention during the ZAD period (2020–2021), but Vaud voters ultimately favored the more flexible, law-based protection. The result positions environmental stewardship within the legislative framework without entrenching it in the constitution.
Culture and comics: Maria Komatsu wins the BDFIL-Caran d’Ache prize
Beyond politics, Vaud’s cultural scene celebrated a notable achievement in the arts. Japanese artist Maria Komatsu won the 2025 BDFIL-Caran d’Ache prize for emerging comic creators, with Swiss peers Célestine Braillard (runner-up) and Julie Magnollay (third) also honored. The awards, totaling 2,000 francs, 1,500 francs, and 1,000 francs respectively, were presented at the Musée de la Machine à Écrire in Lausanne, a partner of the festival’s third edition. The winning entry impressed judges with its mastery of sequence, pacing, and a deceptively simple yet expressive style that invites play and empathy. Komatsu, based in Tokyo, drew on a diverse background—from ornithology to biology and equestrian training—infusing her work with a distinctive blend of texture and rhythm. The prize draws attention to a generation of illustrators working across borders and disciplines.
Lausanne Nautical Innovation Days: a catalyst for sustainable mobility
In another sign of Vaud’s focus on innovation, the Lausanne Nautical Innovation Days (LNID) on October 4 showcased a host of projects and collaborations aimed at decarbonizing lake transport. The event, held on Place de la Navigation, brought together the City of Lausanne, EPFL, and CGN, along with companies and associations such as Zero Emission Boat, Mobyfly, Almatech, and Dhamma Blue. The aim: accelerate the development of electric and hydrogen ferries, optimize energy mixes, and demonstrate tangible, clean-technologies in action. Organizers framed LNID as a catalyst for dialogue among sport, academia, industry, and the public, highlighting how next-generation vessels could become viable alternatives to traditional boats while reducing emissions and increasing efficiency.
Across these referenda and initiatives, Vaud is illustrating a dynamic approach to local governance: a population attentive to democratic reach and representation, a culture scene that champions emerging artists, and a civic ecosystem that seeks practical, sustainable innovations for daily life on and around Lake Geneva.
