Youth as the driving force behind the Aargau referendums on March 8, 2026
On March 8, 2026, voters in Aargau approved the popular initiative «Stop Speed Camera Rip-offs!» and rejected the popular initiative «Work Must Pay Off!» Both proposals found support among young people: in the 18-to-29 age group, each received clear majorities in favor. This is shown by a survey conducted by the Center for Democracy Studies in Aarau on the cantonal referendum of March 8, 2026.
On March 8, 2026, the residents of Aargau voted on two cantonal popular initiatives: The popular initiative «Work Must Pay Off!», which called for a reduction in social assistance for long-term recipients, was rejected by 55.2 percent. The popular initiative «Stop speed camera rip-offs!»—on the other hand—achieved a majority of 55.5 percent. The latter called for the cantonal government to authorize fixed speed and red-light monitoring systems. It marks a first in the history of direct democracy—this was the first time a proposal on the topic of speed cameras was put to a vote.
Participation: Age accounted for the differences between women and men
Voter turnout reached a high of 54.5 percent. As usual, participation increased with age, educational level, and political interest. In addition, men participated more frequently overall than women (60 versus 49 percent). However, this difference in participation depended heavily on age. In the youngest age group, 18- to 29-year-olds, women actually participated slightly more often than men (42 percent versus 32 percent), and the rate was similarly high among 30- to 39-year-olds. From age 40 onward, however, male participation took the lead—with a difference of up to 35 percentage points among 60- to 69-year-olds.
The «Work Must Pay Off!» Popular Initiative – Support from Young People and SVP Supporters
Age also played a significant role in the vote on the popular initiative «Work Must Pay Off!»: Younger voters clearly supported the initiative—63 percent of those aged 18 to 29 voted in favor. In contrast, support among the three oldest age groups (over 50) was below 40 percent. Furthermore, the left-right divide shaped voting behavior. While the initiative met with clear rejection in the left-wing camp, a clear majority on the far right voted in favor of it. This pattern was reflected in party affiliations: two-thirds of the SVP base voted «yes,» while the majority of SP and Green Party supporters rejected the proposal.
It is also noteworthy that the FDP’s base was deeply divided. On the side of those in favor, two main motivations stood out: The most frequently cited reason was that, given the current labor market situation, a prompt return to work could be expected (20 percent), tied with criticism of the high number of long-term benefit recipients (20 percent). Among the reasons for opposition, one stood out clearly: 30 percent of those opposed feared that the initiative would lead to the social exclusion of those affected.
Speed Camera Initiative – Widespread Allegations of Abuse
The approved popular initiative «Stop Speed Camera Rip-offs!» also resonated with young people. It garnered clear majorities among those aged 18 to 29 (71 percent) and 30 to 39 (62 percent), while the initiative was controversial in the other age groups.
In addition, income proved to be a significant factor. Voters from households with a gross monthly income of less than 3,000 francs had the highest approval rate of all income categories, at 81 percent. While support tended to decline as income rose, even in the highest-earning households there was still a narrow majority in favor of the initiative.
Voting patterns were shaped by the left-right divide. In the left-wing camp, the proposal was rejected by more than two-thirds of voters, while on the far right, a clear majority of 75 percent voted in favor. In the political center, supporters and opponents were evenly split. In terms of party affiliations, SVP supporters stood out (75 percent), while among FDP supporters (63 percent), a good third deviated from the party line. It is also striking that the initiative met with substantial approval even in left-wing and Green circles: for example, a third of the rank-and-file members of the SP and the Greens voted in favor of the popular initiative.
The study’s author, Laurent Bernhard, interprets this finding as follows: «For a referendum with a clear left-right divide, a «yes» vote of one-third among left-wing party supporters is exceptionally high. The initiative thus resonated far beyond the conservative camp. At the same time, it should be emphasized that there was no unified support for the initiative within the ranks of the FDP, even though the initiative originated from the Young Liberals.»
Car ownership was also a significant factor. Households without a car overwhelmingly rejected the initiative—only 37 percent of them voted in favor. Car owners, on the other hand, largely supported the proposal, with approval reaching 68 percent in households with more than two cars.
When it comes to the reasons behind the voting decision, a clear picture emerges on both sides. By far the most important reason for voting «yes» was the belief that speed cameras are being misused to fill the state coffers (40 percent). In the «no» camp, one-third (34 percent) prioritized the view that fines are appropriate when people do not obey the law. For one in five opponents (22 percent), the preventive effect of speed cameras was the deciding factor.
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Contact
Dr. Laurent Bernhard
Project coordinatior Center for Democracy Studies
laurent.bernhard@uzh.ch
About the Center for Democracy Studies
The Centre for Democracy Studies Aarau is a scientific research centre supported by the University of Zurich, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, the Canton of Aargau and the City of Aarau. It conducts basic research and addresses current issues relating to democracy – regionally, in Switzerland and worldwide. www.zdaarau.ch