The canton of Bern is preparing for comprehensive elections on March 29, 2026, to elect members of the Grand Council (Grosser Rat), the Council of States (Regierungsrat), and the Bernese Jura Council (Bernjurassischer Rat). These Grossratswahlen Kanton Bern will determine the composition of the canton’s legislative bodies for the 2026-2030 term, and represent a significant moment for Bernese politics. The elections are drawing increased attention as parties finalize their campaigns and prepare to present their candidates to voters.
The upcoming elections encompass three key bodies: the 160-member Grand Council, which serves as the canton’s parliament; the seven-member Council of States, the executive branch of the Bernese government; and the 24-member Bernese Jura Council, a regional parliament. A potential second round of voting for the Council of States is scheduled for May 3, 2026, if no candidate secures a majority in the initial vote. Understanding the roles of these councils is crucial for voters as they prepare to cast their ballots.
Understanding the Electoral Process
The State Chancellery of the Canton of Bern is providing resources to support citizens navigate the electoral process. An explanatory video and detailed voting instructions are available to ensure voters understand how to correctly submit their ballots. The State Chancellery website offers comprehensive information on the elections, including key dates and procedures. Voting materials will be mailed to eligible voters between March 9th and 14th, 2026.
For the Council of States elections, voting instructions are found on the list of candidates. The Grand Council elections utilize a proportional representation system, with the Bernese Jura constituency receiving a fixed number of seats regardless of population size. The remaining seats are allocated proportionally based on the population of the other eight electoral districts. The Hagenbach-Bischoff method is used to distribute seats based on the results within each electoral district, meaning the cantonal result does not influence the outcome. Wikipedia details the electoral process, noting that list connections and sub-list connections are permitted, but there is no explicit threshold for representation.
Current Political Landscape and Key Changes
The 2022 elections saw a continuation of the bourgeois majority in the Council of States, with four candidates from center-right parties elected. However, the 2026 elections will see changes as Christoph Neuhaus (SVP), Christoph Ammann (SP), and Christine Häsler (Grüne) have announced they will not be seeking re-election. As reported by Wikipedia, this creates opportunities for latest candidates and potential shifts in the political balance.
The city of Bern is similarly preparing for the cantonal elections, with the Stimmregister (electoral register) available for inquiries. The City of Bern’s website provides further information and resources for voters. Notably, the 2026 elections will be the first in the canton to include disclosure requirements for campaign budgets, increasing transparency in the electoral process.
Stakeholders and Affected Groups
The Grossratswahlen Kanton Bern impact all residents of the canton, as the elected officials will be responsible for shaping policies and legislation that affect daily life. Political parties, candidates, and advocacy groups are actively engaged in the process, seeking to influence the outcome of the elections. The business community, social organizations, and individual citizens all have a stake in the results, as the composition of the Grand Council and Council of States will determine the direction of the canton’s governance.
What to Expect Next
As the election date approaches, voters can expect increased campaign activity from political parties and candidates. The State Chancellery will continue to provide information and resources to assist voters in making informed decisions. The focus will shift to candidate debates, policy discussions, and voter outreach efforts. The next key date is March 9th-14th, 2026, when voting materials will be delivered to registered voters.
The outcome of these elections will have a lasting impact on the political landscape of the canton of Bern. The composition of the Grand Council and Council of States will shape the canton’s priorities and policies for the next four years. It is crucial for citizens to participate in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote.
We encourage readers to share this article with their networks and to engage in constructive dialogue about the upcoming elections. Your participation is vital to a healthy democracy.
