Seen these ads in Zurich or Basel? US election battle lands in Switzerland

All eyes will be on the US this coming autumn as voters head to the polls for the midterm elections. The Democratic Party is now running a campaign targeting US citizens living in Switzerland, reminding them to vote in US elections from abroad.

Democratic Party campaign targets US expats

Posters and flyers aimed at US expats in Switzerland have been appearing on public transport in the international hubs of Basel, Geneva and Zurich. The posters ask, “Are you a US Citizen? Vote in the 2026 midterm elections!” and provide a QR code leading to a website where citizens can register to vote, reports SRF. Another postcard reads “From the Alps to the Ballot Box… Your vote still counts at home!”

Democrats Abroad Switzerland, the local branch of the Democratic Party, is running the campaign in hopes of “find[ing] more supporters among those they are approaching than the Republicans, Donald Trump’s party.” The Republican Party also operates abroad through Republicans Overseas, with several branches across Europe.

Image credit: Democrats Abroad

US expat population in Switzerland reaches 32.000

Liz Voss, chair of the Basel chapter of Democrats Abroad, explained that the organisation has “several thousand members in Switzerland.” According to government figures, almost 32.000 eligible US citizens who could vote lived in Switzerland at the time of the 2024 presidential election. 

Most originate from California and Texas and now live in Basel, Geneva, and Zurich. "Many people from the US move to Basel, for example, to work in the pharmaceutical industry. They often come from Silicon Valley, Northern California, or New York and New Jersey,” Voss added.

How to Register and Vote from Switzerland as a US Citizen

The upcoming US midterm elections take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. According to the US Vote Foundation, citizens living abroad must submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) from Switzerland every calendar year to receive an overseas ballot. 

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) recommends submitting a request at least 90 days prior to the election you want to vote in, but this can vary by state. Check local government guidance for more information.